South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has urged the city of Columbia to rescind its municipal ban on conversion therapy, arguing that the ban contradicts state religious freedom regulations and constitutes an infringement on the rights of faith-based counselors. Mayor Daniel Rickenmann has expressed skepticism about the necessity of the letter and speculated on its political implications, as Wilson may be positioning himself for a governor run. The state Senate is also pressing Columbia with funding threats if the ordinance isn't overturned, emphasizing the contentiousness surrounding conversion therapy and its perceived harms.
Columbia narrowly approved the ban on conversion therapy within its city limits in 2021. The following year, the state passed the Medical Ethics and Diversity Act, which sought to protect the rights of medical practitioners.
This letter just says, 'Hey, look, the ban is unconstitutional and it's also unlawful under current state law.' Just comport with it. Comply with it. We're good,' Wilson told.
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