New Zealand is a step closer to banning conversion therapy after legislation criminalising the practice passed its first hurdle in Parliament. The proposed bill criminalises treatment that aims to change people's sexual orientation and gender identity, despite that change being impossible. All political parties, except National, supported the legislation at its first reading. The National Party says it supports the bill's intent, but not its current wording. National's Chris Penk says its biggest concern is the potential effect on parents' ability to talk to their children. RNZ has been told of division in the National caucus between its more liberal MPs and the religious conservatives. The bill now goes to Select Committee.