Conversion therapy banned by Australian state and punishable with jail

The Australian state of Victoria has officially introduced laws banning the practice of LGBT+ conversion therapy, as of today.

Anyone who attempts to make a person change or suppress their sexual orientation or gender identity could face criminal charges and possible jail time.

Victoria’s attorney-general, Jaclyn Symes, described the now-illegal practice as ‘total quackery’.

She said: ‘These laws send the clear message that these disgraceful practices are not tolerated in Victoria.

‘We’ll always have the LGBT+ community’s back – now the law does too.’

The state’s Parliament passed reforms to the law in 2021 after research with survivors of conversion therapy.

As a result of the new laws, the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission will be able to accept and act on reports of these kinds of practices.

Survivors will be supported so the harm they have endured can be addressed, and the public will be educated about the ban.

Investigations may also be launched into more serious or complex cases.

Minister for equality Martin Foley added: ‘For too long, these insidious practices have been allowed to ruin lives under the guise that LGBT+ people are “broken” and need to be “fixed”. That stops today.’

The New Zealand Parliament also passed a law yesterday to ban conversion practices.

Minus18, an organisation advocating for young LGBT+ people in Australia, has welcomed the news.

Founding chief executive Micah Scott said: ‘Coming to accept sexuality or gender identity is an incredibly delicate time in anyone’s life, particularly for a young person who is seeking help from a professional.

‘We are in touch with countless young people at Minus18 who have been subjected to suppressive practices from a professional that caused them to believe their sexuality or gender identity is wrong and needs to be fixed.  

‘The shame and mental harm caused by this is deep and long lasting.’

Transgender Victoria chief executive, Mama Alto, said: ‘Now that these practices are unlawful… trans, gender diverse, and non-binary Victorians can be protected from these harms and experience better mental health outcomes.

‘The message is clear: we are not wrong, we are not broken, and we are as equally human as anybody else.’

Conversion therapy is soon to be outlawed in the UK for those who are under 18 and for vulnerable people – but this has been criticised as it is still legal for adults if they have ‘given free and informed consent’.

Many activists do not believe adults can truly consent to such practices.

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