Bill banning conversion practices will only fully cover under-18s, No 10 says

Apparent change of plan means consenting adults in England and Wales still able to participate in process to alter sexuality

The government's proposed ban on conversion practices intended to change people's sexuality will in fact only fully cover under-18s, Downing Street has confirmed, saying it had to strike the right balance" on outlawing the much-condemned practice.

In an apparent change of plan which prompted immediate condemnation from equalities groups, No 10 said that adults in England and Wales who consented to sexuality conversion for religious or personal reasons would be allowed to do so. This is expected to be permitted only if this does not cause serious harm", officials said, with full details to be set out in the promised conversion therapy bill.