DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Board of Psychology has decided against adopting a policy that bans Iowa-licensed psychologists from counseling gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender children to change their sexual orientation in a practice known as conversion therapy. The board on Friday denied a petition that would have prohibited state-licensed mental health providers from trying to reverse a patient’s sexual orientation.

Board spokeswoman Sharon Dozier declined to discuss reasons saying the board will release its full written decision later. Also on Friday, an Iowa Board of Medicine committee said it needs further study after hearing from doctors who said conversion therapy can be harmful to children and a religious group that says such a ban may infringe on religious rights.

Five states have passed laws banning conversion therapy for minors.