Israel has passed the first step in a ban on the discredited practice of ‘conversion therapy’, with the decision risking the country’s ruling political coalition.
The bill was backed by some parties in the coalition agreement, like the Blue and White Party and the Labor Party. The ban will still need to have two further readings and be approved by a Knessnet committee before it becomes law.
If it’s fully passed, the law will ban the practice, and people convicted of performing it could face up to a year in a jail, and have their medical licences cancelled for up to five years.
Benny Gantz, the leader of the Blue and White Party, told members of his party via WhatsApp: “We promised that and we will deliver.