Tasmania prepares to vote on landmark ban of conversion practices
Tasmania's parliament will debate a Greens-draft bill that would outlaw conversion practices, with Labor backing and a conscience vote for Liberals.
Tasmania is poised to consider a Greens-originated bill that would criminalise conversion practices—efforts to alter, suppress or erase a person's sexual or gender identity. The legislation, backed by Labor and subject to a conscience vote among Liberal MPs, defines prohibited conduct, excludes legitimate health services, and establishes a conversion practices commissioner within the anti-discrimination office. Penalties range from compliance notices to criminal prosecution, especially when injury or vulnerable victims are involved.
Studies by La Trobe and Macquarie universities indicate that one in 20 young LGBTQIA+ Tasmanians have faced such practices, with significantly higher rates of PTSD and suicide attempts. The bill mirrors bans already in place in other Australian states and the ACT, and its passage hinges on securing at least four additional votes beyond the Greens and Labor bloc.
