New Zealand could be the next country to ban conversion therapy. Justice Minister Kris Faafoi introduced the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill to New Zealand's Parliament July 30. "Those who have experienced conversion practices talk about ongoing mental health distress, depression, shame, and stigma, and even suicidal thoughts," said Faafoi, who is an ally and a member of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's Labor Party.
Conversion therapy survivor and activist Shaneel Lal praised the bill's introduction, adding that the practice has "pushed and driven so many queer people into a life of pain and misery and death." They "[thinking that] God will never forgive them for it," they said. "Every single story that I've heard of