Gay conversion therapy practices to be made illegal in Victoria under proposed new laws

Gay conversion therapy is set to be outlawed in Victoria with jail terms of up to 10 years under new laws to be introduced to parliament.

Gay conversion therapy is set to be outlawed in Victoria under new laws to be introduced to parliament on Wednesday.

The Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Bill would make practices that seek to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity illegal in Victoria.

Under the proposed laws, those who subject others to change or suppression practices that cause injury or serious injury would face up to 10 years jail.

Advertising the practices would also incur a criminal penalty and a maximum fine of almost $10,000.

And those who try to get around the new laws by taking the practice outside of Victoria could face a prison term of up to two years.

The laws would empower the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission to consider and respond to reports of change or suppression practices from any person.

It would also be able to launch investigations where there was evidence of serious or systemic change or suppression practices.

Victorian commissioner for LGBTIQ+ communities Ro Allen said the reforms ‘will save lives’. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

The Victorian government said responses to reports would be survivor led and trauma informed and would focus on community education and facilitation.

The government said that would ensure any response met the needs and wishes of the affected person.

A civil response scheme would also be established within the commission to support survivors and address the harm they endure.

Attorney-General Jill Hennessy said the proposed laws sent a clear message.

“No one is ‘broken’ because of their sexuality or gender identity. These views won’t be tolerated in Victoria and neither will these abhorrent practices,” she said.

Victorian commissioner for LGBTIQ+ communities Ro Allen said the importance of the reforms for the state’s LGBTIQ+ communities could not be overstated and “will save lives”.

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