Columbia’s City Council voted 4–3 Tuesday to repeal its 2021 ban on conversion therapy for minors, opting to avoid a loss of $3.7 million in state funding tied to a new budget clause targeting cities with such ordinances. A final vote is expected in July.
The ordinance, which carried a $500 fine for licensed therapists attempting to change a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity, was never enforced. Councilman Will Brennan, who supported the original ban, noted it was passed to improve the city’s score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, not due to reports of ongoing violations.
Attorney General Alan Wilson praised the vote, calling the ban unconstitutional and arguing it targeted “faith-based speech.” Critics, including the ACLU and LGBTQ+ advocates, warned the move sends a harmful message to vulnerable youth.
Mayor Teresa Wilson noted the loss of state funds would hurt public safety and city services. Still, Councilwoman Tina Herbert and others opposed repeal, calling it a moral stand against political bullying from state officials.
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