Harmful LGBTQ+ conversion practices now banned in | Australian Markets

Dangerous and damaging LGBTQ+ conversion practices will probably be banned from in the present day.

The Conversion Practices Ban Act 2024 makes conversion practices, which may embrace “conversion therapy” and suppression practices, a crime punishable by up to 5 years’ imprisonment.

It additionally creates a scheme permitting civil complaints about conversion practices to be made to Anti-Discrimination NSW.

Conversion practices are based mostly on the false ideology that LGBTQ+ people have a ‘disorder’ or require therapy.

This can embrace psychological or medical interventions, counselling, or delicate and repeated messages that LGBTQ+ people can change or suppress their sexual orientation or gender identification with religion or effort.

Anti-Discrimination NSW can examine complaints about conversion practices occurring from 4 April 2025, and, if applicable, attempt to resolve the matter by way of conciliation.

It can even refer issues to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal in sure circumstances.

It may also ship info classes and sources in regards to the new law together with free online videos and instruments and referrals to assist companies.

Conversion practices inflict vital hurt on members of the LGBTQ+ neighborhood.

People who ship or preform conversion practices that trigger substantial mental or bodily hurt face up to 5 years’ jail.

Taking somebody out of NSW to ship “conversion therapy” carries a most three-year jail sentence.

The ban doesn’t stop common spiritual instructing or expressions of spiritual rules, or parental discussions with their kids associated to sexual orientation, gender identification, sexual exercise or faith.

It is focused at a apply, therapy or sustained effort directed at somebody to change their sexual orientation or gender identification.

This follows ongoing work by the NSW Government to progress reforms that guarantee all members of our neighborhood really feel valued, revered and equal.

The Premier issued a formal apology final yr to people convicted beneath discriminatory legal guidelines that criminalised gay acts, and the Government handed laws that meant more of these offences have been capable of be extinguished.

In September, the NSW Government supported all 19 suggestions delivered by the Special Commission of Inquiry into LGBTIQ hate crimes, which examined the unsolved deaths of LGBTIQ people and located shortfalls in historic responses by the NSW Government.

The Government established the inaugural LGBTIQ+ Advisory Council, which is working to develop NSW’s first LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy.

The Government supported the amended Equality Bill which handed NSW Parliament after being launched by the Independent Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich.

Attorney General Michael Daley mentioned:

“So-called ‘conversion therapy’ inflicts real and significant harm on members of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Everyone deserves to be respected for who they are. There is nothing ‘wrong’ with LGBTQ+ people. They do not need ‘fixing’ or to be ‘saved’.

“We are indebted to the survivors of this insidious practice who shared their experiences and advocated for this important reform.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park mentioned: “These sorts of practices are incredibly harmful and dangerous, and they have severe and lasting health impacts.

“Today, we’re bringing an end to them.

“I want to thank the many individuals and groups who engaged with the Government on this legislation, to make this ban a reality.” Founder and CEO of Ambassadors and Bridge Builders International (ABBI) Anthony Venn-Brown OAM mentioned:

“The ban on dangerous and discredited LGBTQA conversion practices is a welcome move.

“I grew up when being gay was a criminal offence and mental health professionals believed they could cure people of homosexuality.

“It caused me great stress and anxiety. I did everything to change it, including conversion ‘therapy’.
“I often thought of suicide.

“After coming out, I’ve spent decades supporting people who were told they were broken and needed ‘fixing’. Today, people are still taking their lives – or contemplating it – over this issue.

“LGBTQA people should be celebrated, accepted and affirmed. This law will protect vulnerable people from harm, save lives and make NSW a safer place for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.”

CEO of Equality Australia Anna Brown OAM mentioned:

“We stand with victim survivors in welcoming this law which prohibits these archaic and harmful practices, which have already caused untold harm to LGBTQA people.

“Abuse dressed up as pastoral care or guidance is a breach of trust and power. Telling someone they are broken or sick because of who they are is profoundly psychologically damaging.

“Not only will this law save countless people from a lifetime of pain – and in some cases save lives – it also sends a powerful message that LGBTQA people are whole and valid, just as we are.”

Support:

If you or somebody you already know has skilled or witnessed a conversion apply, you possibly can have a confidential dialogue with Anti-Discrimination NSW. Call 1800 670 812 (weekdays 9am to 4pm) or electronic mail: [email protected].

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