MLAs have passed a motion calling on Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey to introduce a ban on gay conversion therapy in Northern Ireland.

LGBTQ

MLAs have passed a motion calling on Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey to introduce a ban on gay conversion therapy in Northern Ireland.

The Ulster Unionist Party motion stated it was «fundamentally wrong to view our LGBTQ community as requiring a fix or cure», The Belfast Telegraph reports

A DUP amendment supported prohibition of the practice but sought to include protections for «legitimate religious activities such as preaching, prayer and pastoral support», insisting those do not constitute conversion therapy.

The amendment faced criticism from political rivals for removing the line from the original motion stating that it was wrong to view the LGBTQ community as requiring a «fix or cure», The Belfast Telegraph reports.

The amendment was defeated 59 votes to 28.

The substantive motion passed 59 votes to 24.

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