New Zealand passed a ban on conversion therapy through a near-unanimous vote.

The vote, which all but eight of New Zealand's parliament voted in favor of, will outlaw any practices that would "change or suppress someone's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression."

"This is a major step toward upholding the rights and dignity of LGBTQIA+ and takatapui New Zealanders and preventing the damage caused by these practices," said the New Zealand Labour Party in a statement Tuesday.

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The Conversion Practices Prohibition Bill created two new criminal offenses. Anyone who attempts to practice conversion therapy on people 18 or younger or with "impaired decision-making abilities" could face up to three years in prison. The second would incriminate anyone practicing conversion therapy and causing significant harm, regardless of age.

While some may interpret the new prohibition as detrimental to religious freedom or discussions of sexuality, Justice Minister Kris Faafoi said this should not be an issue.

"The legislation also lays out what is not conversion practice and protects the right to express opinion, belief, religious belief or principle, which is not intended to change or suppress a person's sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression," he said in a statement. "This legislation is not looking to criminalize open and respectful conversations, which aim to facilitate help and support where someone is wrestling with their sexuality."

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The bill was fashioned and modified based on public input, according to Radio New Zealand, including nearly 107,000 public submissions related to the bill.

Conversion therapy is banned in 20 states and at least seven nations. Canada passed a ban on conversion therapy in December 2021. TikTok also updated its guidelines to ban any content that is pro-conversion therapy.