In a second and final vote Tuesday, the Columbia City Council voted to officially overturn its conversion therapy ban for LGBTQ+ minors.
The council voted 4-3 once again in a special called meeting to repeal the ban despite public comment to keep the ordinance in place.
The repeal follows passage of the state budget that starts July 1, which includes a measure to prohibit state aid for local governments with conversion therapy bans.
Columbia was the only municipality in South Carolina with a ban in place, putting it in a position to lose $3.7 million.
Last week, the council passed its more than $474 million budget, previously proposing to use hospitality tax to substitute the state funding loss.
The budget has since been revised to put the $3.7 million in state aid back.
Columbia resident Meredith Duke spoke against repealing the ban.
“This is so much larger than the conversion ban that we’re talking about right now. It is about the autonomy of Columbia,” she said.
Last week, Richland Democratic Sen. Tameika Isaac Devine spoke at another city council meeting, citing similar concerns.
“I urge you to please stand strong and not cave to the games being played by those who do not live in Columbia,” Devine said.
The proviso was proposed by Spartanburg Republican Sen. Josh Kimbrell, who targeted the ordinance alongside Republican Attorney General Alan Wilson.
Wilson threatened to take legal action against the city of Columbia in April.
Wilson officially announced his campaign to run for governor on Monday. Kimbrell will kick off his campaign Saturday.
