State leaders threatened to pull nearly $4 million in funding, while advocacy groups urged leaders to maintain protections for LGBTQ+ youth.

Columbia passed its ordinance banning conversion therapy for minors on a 4-3 vote in June 2021, with Rickenmann and former Mayor Steve Benjamin both voting against it at the time.

The Columbia City Council chambers is at capacity ahead of the first vote on repealing the city’s ban on conversion therapy on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Joshua Boucher [email protected] ...

Columbia passed its ordinance banning conversion therapy for minors on a 4-3 vote in June 2021, with Rickenmann and former Mayor Steve Benjamin both voting against it at the time.

Columbia has taken first step toward repealing a ban on conversion therapy meant to protect LGBTQ+ youth. Members of city council voted 4-3 Tuesday in favor of removing the ban.

The Columbia City Council chambers is at capacity ahead of the first vote on repealing the city’s ban on conversion therapy on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Joshua Boucher [email protected] ...

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Columbia City Council will once again take up an ordinance that would thrown out the city's ban on conversion therapy for minors. The city released an agenda for the Tuesday ...

Columbia to vote on conversion therapy ban amid claims of collaboration with Statehouse By Caleb Bozard and Josh Archote [email protected] [email protected] May 23, 2025 ...

Columbia requests extra time to address SC Attorney General Alan Wilson’s demand to repeal conversion therapy ban. Groups urge leaders to keep the ordinance.

Columbia passed its ordinance banning conversion therapy for minors on a 4-3 vote in June 2021, with Rickenmann and former Mayor Steve Benjamin both voting against it at the time.

The Columbia City Council chambers is at capacity ahead of the first vote on repealing the city’s ban on conversion therapy on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Joshua Boucher [email protected] ...