Family First pledges to wind back contested gay conversion laws

Victoria’s gay conversion laws would be wound back under a state election promise.

Victoria’s gay conversion laws would be wound back as a priority under a bold election promise by the Family First party.

Lead Candidate Lee Jones said if elected to parliament next month he would introduce a private members Bill to amend the Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Act.

Gay conversion therapy was outlawed in Victoria under the Act, with attempts to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity now carrying 10 year jail terms.

Medical, religious and legal groups all raised concerns about the laws before they were passed in February last year.

The Australian Medical Association and Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists said the laws risked hindering interactions involving trained professionals and patients.

Religious groups rallied against references to “religious-based practices” and “prayer-based practices” within the legislation.

And the Law Institute of Victoria also flagged concerns the laws may not protect parents who want to have conversations about sexuality or gender identity with their children.

Daniel Andrews in Victorian Parliament during a debate on the bill to criminalise conversion therapy. Picture: David Geraghty

Mr Jones said such his private members’ bill seek to amend the laws to allow medical practitioners, faith leaders and parents to talk to children about irreversible changes to their body.

“It should not be against the law to offer biology-affirming choices to children and young people,” Mr Jones said.

“Parents certainly should not be criminalised, as they are now, if they dare to encourage their child to be comfortable in the body they were born in.

“Priests, pastors, counsellors and imams should also not be criminalised when someone asks for prayer or help, as is the case under the Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Act.”

Mr Jones said he would also seek to legislate support for people wishing to de-transition after sex change therapy.

It would include the provision of clinical care for people harmed by the side effects of puberty blockers, cross sex hormones and irreversible surgery.

Legal experts have warned conversion therapy laws have increased the prospect of legislation against medical practitioners over surgical interventions.

In a landmark case Sydney woman Jay Langadinos, who formerly identified as transgender, has launched legal action against her psychiatrist alleging professional negligence.

“A bill to provide some balance to the harmful woke ideas are needed and will be a key priority of Family First members should they be elected to the Legislative Council,” Mr Jones said.

“This election is about one thing: who will protect your family from the threat of radical political correctness.

“A Family First bill to provide clinical care to de-transitioners and to restore freedom to treat and pray for children struggling with gender issues will be a first step in answering this question.”