Columbia council members advocate to uphold conversion therapy ban amid community support

A powerful call to protect youth from harmful practices dominated the Columbia City Council meeting on May 6, 2025, as community members rallied in support of maintaining the city's ban on conversion therapy. Advocates emphasized that the ordinance is not an attack on religious freedom but a necessary measure to safeguard minors from coercive and unethical interventions.

Raven Kelly Dinwiddie, a local advocate and actress, passionately urged council members to uphold the ordinance, stating, "Conversion therapy is not kind. Conversion therapy is not loving. Conversion therapy is not of Jesus." She highlighted the importance of showing love and support for all community members, regardless of their sexual orientation, and called on the council to make a decision that reflects compassion and inclusivity.

Matthew Butler, an advocacy strategist with the ACLU of South Carolina, reinforced this message, asserting that the ordinance protects children and does not infringe on the rights of clergy or counselors. He stated, "Your ordinance protects children... It does not touch sermons or pastoral care. It only ensures that when a licensed practitioner puts their credential on the wall, they must do no harm."

Dr. Wynn Purvis, a seasoned counselor educator, echoed these sentiments, clarifying that conversion therapy is not recognized as legitimate therapy and is rooted in pseudoscience. He emphasized the importance of ethical standards in counseling, stating, "Professional counselors are not endorsed by professional accreditation organizations or licensing boards to engage in any pseudoscientific practices."

The discussions at the meeting underscored a community commitment to protecting vulnerable youth and ensuring that mental health practices are grounded in evidence-based care. As the council deliberates, the voices of advocates serve as a reminder of the critical need for compassion and ethical responsibility in mental health services.