Fact Check: "No counselors fined under Columbia's conversion therapy ban since 2021."
What We Know
Columbia's conversion therapy ban was enacted through City Ordinance 2021-021, which prohibits licensed providers from offering conversion therapy services. This ordinance was designed to protect LGBTQ+ individuals from practices deemed harmful and ineffective (City Ordinance 2021-021).
As of June 2025, reports indicate that no licensed counselors have been fined or reported for violating this ordinance since its enactment (Post and Courier). This lack of enforcement suggests that the ordinance has not been actively applied against any counselors in the city.
Analysis
The claim that no counselors have been fined under Columbia's conversion therapy ban since 2021 is supported by multiple sources. The Post and Courier explicitly states that there have been no fines or reports of violations since the ordinance was put in place. This aligns with the findings from the SC Daily Gazette, which also notes that the ordinance had never been enforced against any licensed providers.
However, it is important to consider the context in which this claim is made. The Columbia City Council has faced significant pressure regarding the ordinance, including financial threats related to state aid. In June 2025, the council voted to repeal the conversion therapy ban, indicating a shift in political and social dynamics surrounding the issue (The State). This repeal may reflect broader societal debates about conversion therapy and LGBTQ+ rights, rather than a failure of the ordinance itself.
The sources used in this analysis are credible, with official city ordinances and reputable news outlets providing the information. The Post and Courier and SC Daily Gazette are established news organizations that report on local governance and community issues, adding reliability to their claims.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The assertion that no counselors have been fined under Columbia's conversion therapy ban since 2021 is accurate. Evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that there have been no reported violations or fines since the ordinance's enactment. The recent repeal of the ordinance does not negate the fact that it was not enforced during its existence.
