New Zealand bans conversion therapy

The New Zealand Parliament has passed a law banning conversion therapy. Treatments to change someone's orientation or gender identity may therefore no longer be carried out.
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An overwhelming majority of parliament supports the ban, with only eight MPs voting against. With the new law, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is fulfilling an election promise. Banning the therapy, which is considered very harmful, was one of her focal points during last year's election campaign.

"This is a great day for New Zealand's rainbow community," said Justice Minister Kris Faafoi. "Conversion practices have no place in modern New Zealand."

More and more Western countries are banning conversion therapy, which often leads to psychological complaints. Recently, France and Canada already criminalized the therapy.

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