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The government announced on Thursday 9 December that a short consultation to ban conversion therapies - counselling that is designed to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender - will be extended for another two months. 

The intention to ban it in England and Wales was part of the Queen's Speech earlier in 2021. 

Supporters of the proposed legislation say it is needed to stop a practice that harms sexual minorities. 

Its detractors argue it could do more harm than good by creating a criminal offence which covers therapy with the intention of changing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Health Correspondent Deb Cohen reports.