Israeli MPs have taken steps to outlaw the practice of “gay conversion” therapy – the first Middle East country to do so.
A bill passed its first stage, after two parties in the coalition government joined the opposition to vote in favour.
Last year, Israel’s then-education minister endorsed the therapy, triggering a backlash.
The bill risks a political crisis, with religious parties unhappy at the move.
After the vote, the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism (UTJ), which is part of the fragile national unity government, threatened to introduce bills which the centrist Blue and White – also a member of the government – would find objectionable.
The bill must still pass two more readings before it becomes law.