Gay conversion therapy banned in Victoria

Gay conversion therapy has been outlawed in Victoria after a long and at times emotional debate in Victorian Parliament.

Gay conversion therapy has been outlawed in Victoria, with the Andrews Government’s bill to outlaw harmful practices passing the upper house on Thursday night.

After months of public debate over the controversial bill, the legislation was passed with 27 votes for and nine against.

Liberal MPs Bernie Finn and Bev McArthur voted against the legislation along with crossbenchers David Limbrick, Tim Quilty, Jeff Bourman, Catherine Cumming, Clifford Hayes, Stuarty Grimley and Tania Maxwell.

The Coalition had agreed not to vote against the laws, instead seeking to push through amendments, but Mr Finn and Ms McArthur broke ranks for a conscience vote which is allowed under Liberal party rules.

The passing of the legislation ends a lengthy debate which has at times highlighted fractures within the Liberal party.

Gavin Jennings MP hugs Harriet Shing after a speech. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

In December, former vice president Karina Okotel sparked an internal backlash when she wrote to all 31 state MPs asking them to consider what impact the Bill might have on counselling, parenting and religious groups

Groups including the Australian Medical Association and Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists have sought changes to the Bill because they fear it may hinder interactions involving trained professionals and patients.

Of concern were references to psychiatry and counselling practices, while religious groups have flagged concerns over references to “religious-based practices” and “prayer-based practices”.

Late on Thursday, the Law Institute of Victoria also wrote to the government flagging concerns the laws may not protect parents who want to have conversations about sexuality or gender identity with their children.

The state government has maintained that these activities will not be restricted under the legislation, if they do not involve harmful conversion of a person’s sexuality.

Criminal cases would have to prove beyond doubt that any actions had caused serious injury.

DEBATE SPARKS EMOTIONAL SCENES

Earlier on Thursday, controversy broke out in Victorian Parliament during debate after an emotional speech by Labor MP Harriet Shing descended into arguments.

Ms Shing, the parliament’s only openly gay female MP, was on the verge of tears as she spoke about why she supported plans to outlaw harmful conversion therapies.

During Ms Shing’s speech, a dispute broke out when she sought to name all the Opposition MPs who were not in parliament when the lower house vote began.

“The public record does not reflect the names of Coalition MPs who did not attend the vote,” she said at the time.

“It’s for this reason I’m going to read these names out.”

But David Davis, the Opposition’s leader in the upper house, rushed to cut off Ms Shing on a point of order.

“The member knows well that what she’s saying is not true,” he said.

“The record in the lower shows the bill is not opposed … The reality is that with the COVID restrictions many people were simply not in the chamber.”

The debate raged for at least four minutes, with Labor MPs seeking to have her time restored to finish her speech.

This request was unsuccessful, with Ms Shing later continuing to name Coalition MPs who had not been part of the vote.

Harriet Shing MP reacts in Victorian Parliament. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Speaking to the Herald Sun, Ms Shing said she had sought to hold her fellow politicians accountable over the Bill which she considered “enormously important”.

“The length of time taken to make a serious contribution on point of order was unnecessary, mean spirited and the cheapest form of politics there is,” she said.

The debate has been incredibly tough, particularly for victims and survivors who have been following the contributions of MPs across both chambers

“I am hopeful that we can get through the committee stage and final vote on this Bill in a way that enables victims and survivors to be recognised.”

If you are struggling and looking for help tailored to the LGBTIQ+ community call QLIFE on 1800 184 527, Lifeline on 13 11 14 and Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.

You can also call Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36

and Headspace on 1800 650 890