ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Gay Conversion Therapy Has Been Criminalised In The ACT

Gay Conversion Therapy Has Been Criminalised In The ACT

People who try to change someone's sexuality can face up to a year behind bars and a $24,000 fine

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Another territory in Australia has taken a step towards eliminating gay conversion therapy from the country.

The Australian Capital Territory has officially made it a criminal act to try and persuade someone to change their sexuality, sexual expression or sexual identity.

The Sexuality and Gender Identity Conversion Practices Bill will kick into gear next year, with offenders potentially facing up to a year behind bars and a $24,000 fine.

There was a last minute amendment to the legislation after religious groups argued the definition of sexuality or gender identity conversion practice was 'too broad and vague'.

PA

As a result, people in the ACT have 'the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, including the freedom to demonstrate their religion or belief in worship, observance, practice and teaching, either individually or as part of a community and whether in public or private'.

ACT Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay, who also doubles as a Christian minister, choked back tears as he recalled how he looked after survivors of gay conversion therapy and how it had affected them.

"I have led congregations and communities of faith where people have sought refuge after being subjected to conversion therapies that have been done in the name of the church and even at times in the name of God," Mr Ramsay said.

"Madam Speaker, these are not my stories to tell. But I can assure members, that they are painful and they are traumatic

"There is an insidious and clandestine manner in which these practices are carried out, mostly against children. An abuse of young people is not appropriately best covered by civil regulations, that is why criminal sanctions ought to apply."

PA

The ACT Opposition is worried the new bill will open the door for children to sue their parents for their attempts at changing their sexuality.

It follows Queensland becoming the first state or territory to ban the 'therapy' earlier this month.

Politicians voted in favour of the legislation to protect adults and children from being subjected to practices that aren't rooted in science or moral conscience.

Queensland Health Minister Steven Miles addressed parliament during the historic moment and explained the 'therapy' has no place in the Sunshine State.

"Being LGBTIQ is not an affliction or disease that requires medical treatment," Mr Miles said. "No treatment or practice can change a person's sexual attraction or experience of gender."

Under the new law, a healthcare professional who tries to convert a LGBTQIA+ person into straight person or suppress their sexuality could face up to 18 months behind bars. The legislation specifically mentions aversion therapy, hypnotherapy and psychoanalysis as ways of conversion.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News, Australia