Columbia, South Carolina, August 21, 2025
News Summary
The Columbia City Council voted 4-3 to repeal a 2021 ordinance banning conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ minors. The decision comes amid political pressure, including budget threats that risked local funding. Critics argue this move endangers LGBTQ+ rights and youth protections, highlighting the ongoing tension between local and state governance.
Columbia, South Carolina — The Columbia City Council has voted 4-3 to repeal a 2021 ordinance that banned conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ minors. The decision, made during a meeting on June 17, 2025, marks a significant shift in the city’s approach to LGBTQ+ rights and comes amid considerable public debate and political pressure.
The repeal stems from a controversial budget proviso that threatened to withhold $3.7 million in local funding if the ordinance remained in place. This budget issue forced council members to confront the implications of their vote on both financial and social fronts. Previously, the ordinance had mandated a $500 fine for licensed therapists attempting to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of minors, but it had not been enforced; no fines or warnings were issued during the four years it was in effect.
Political pressures intensified from state authorities, particularly South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, who stated that the ordinance violated free speech and state law. Council members responded to these threats as they navigated the complex landscape of local, state, and community values.
Columbia had been the only city in South Carolina to impose a ban on conversion therapy and enacted the ordinance to support the LGBTQ+ community and enhance its rating on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index. However, the council’s latest decision has drawn criticism and concern from various advocacy groups, including the ACLU and the Harriet Hancock Center, who argue that this repeal represents a dangerous regression for LGBTQ+ rights and protections for youth.
Key council decisions included a pivotal vote from Councilman Will Brennan. Initially a supporter of the ban, Brennan cited the lack of enforcement and effectiveness as reasons for his change of heart regarding the repeal. Council members Tina Herbert, Aditi Bussells, and Tyler Bailey voted against the repeal, advocating for continued support of the LGBTQ+ community amid fears of regression in rights and protection.
The Columbia City Council is facing backlash from community members who argue that the repeal sends a negative message in response to political pressure from the state. Residents expressed concerns that this decision compromises the city’s commitment to protecting vulnerable youth from potentially harmful practices. Although some council members have mentioned exploring alternative forms of protection for the LGBTQ+ community after the repeal, specific plans remain unclear.
The decision not only reflects the council’s financial considerations but also raises questions about the future of LGBTQ+ protections in Columbia. As the city contends with fiscal responsibilities, local support for stronger protections continues in public gatherings and meetings, drawing attention to the ongoing struggle between community values and state governance.
Background Context
The 2021 ordinance introduced by the Columbia City Council aimed to demonstrate a commitment to promoting inclusivity and safeguarding LGBTQ+ youth. The recent repeal of the ordinance highlights the contentious political climate in South Carolina, where state officials have pushed back against such local measures aimed at protecting marginalized communities. Ongoing discussions within Columbia indicate a potential pivot towards addressing community demands for comprehensive protections, even amidst challenging external pressures.
Conclusion
The city council’s decision to repeal the conversion therapy ban has left the future of LGBTQ+ rights in Columbia uncertain. The balancing act between fiscal responsibilities, state pressure, and community advocacy will likely remain a contentious issue in upcoming council discussions.
FAQ
The council voted 4-3 to repeal a 2021 ordinance that banned conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ minors.
Why was the ordinance repealed?
The repeal was influenced by a budget proviso from the state that threatened to withhold $3.7 million in local funding if the ban remained.
What were the consequences of the ordinance before its repeal?
The ordinance included a $500 fine for licensed therapists caught attempting to change a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity, though it was never enforced.
Who opposed the repeal?
Council members Tina Herbert, Aditi Bussells, and Tyler Bailey opposed the repeal, advocating for continued protections for the LGBTQ+ community.
What do advocacy groups say about the repeal?
Organizations such as the ACLU and the Harriet Hancock Center condemned the repeal, characterizing it as a step backward for the protection of LGBTQ+ youth.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Vote Outcome | 4-3 in favor of repeal |
| Initial Ban Year | 2021 |
| State Funding Risk | $3.7 million funding threat |
| Enforcement History | No fines issued during four years |
| Key Opponents of Repeal | Tina Herbert, Aditi Bussells, Tyler Bailey |
| Advocacy Organizations Opposing Repeal | ACLU, Harriet Hancock Center |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Concerns Rise Over Proposed Housing Development in Gaston, S.C.
Columbia Gears Up for Upcoming Elections
New Colleges for Construction Workforce in the UK
Historic Property Sold in Lexington for $600,000
Cayce Property Legal Battle Leaves Home to Deteriorate
Columbia, SC Welcomes Second Trader Joe’s Location
Riverfront Park Construction Updates in Columbia
Hattie’s Crossing Housing Development Nears Completion in Cayce
Columbia Launches $50 Million Downtown Revitalization
Congresswoman Nancy Mace Announces Gubernatorial Candidacy
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier
- Wikipedia: Conversion Therapy
- WIS News 10
- Encyclopedia Britannica: LGBT Rights
- The State
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
