‘The propaganda is hurtful’: MPs weigh in on forum opposing ban on gay conversion therapy

People who have lived through gay conversion therapy have shared their stories, while two MPs have weighed into the debate about why the archaic practice should be banned

Rodney Croome, from Equality Tasmania

INDEPENDENT MP Kristie Johnston says she is disappointed a fellow member of parliament will next week host a forum to oppose a ban on gay conversion therapy.

On Thursday night, Ms Johnston herself held a forum with the contrary intention – of supporting the legislation, which is expected to be before parliament by the middle of next year.

“The practices themselves are based on a premise that someone who is LGBTIQA+ is a broken person – and we know that is simply untrue,” she said.

“You cannot change what someone’s inherent characteristics are – it’s like trying to change someone’s eye colour.”

Independent MP Kristie Johnston weighs in on forum to oppose a ban on gay conversion therapy. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

She said the Tasmanian community in general was “incredibly supportive of a ban” on conversion therapy.

“I’m really disappointed that (Liberal member for Bass) Lara Alexander is hosting a forum … which will peddle the mistruths about what a ban on conversion therapy would look like. I’m very disturbed by the ads that the Australian Christian Lobby has been running,” she said.

“The propaganda is hurtful, deeply hurtful, to people who have already been through a deeply traumatic experience.”

Franklin Labor MP Dean Winter also questioned Ms Alexander’s forum.

“I think Lara Alexander’s event is out of touch with community sentiment, but more importantly, it is out of touch with what her Premier is saying. We’ve got a Premier who is taking a strong stance, but his own team isn’t even following him on this,” he said.

Labor's Dean Winter speaks to the media at Parliament Lawns in Hobart on Friday, November 11, 2022. Picture: Supplied.

Equality Tasmania said more than 120 attended Thursday’s forum, which also attracted LGBTIQA+ people currently practising religious faiths.

Annette Barrett, vice president of the Australian Medical Association Tasmania, said “all the studies” concluded that conversion practices were harmful and should be banned.

Rev Michael Duke, the Uniting Church minister in Kingston, spoke about opposing conversion practices because of his Christianity.

“Jesus talked about justice. He challenged social mores. For me, the point at which I stand in solidarity with my homosexual friends is a position I hold that comes from my faith and my understanding of what Jesus would do,” he said.

Glen Worrell was subjected to conversion therapy in earlier life at Hobart parliament. Picture: Chris Kidd

Glen Worrell, a Tasmanian conversion practices survivor, said it was impossible to give fully-informed consent without being told exactly “what you’re becoming involved with”.

“In the 21 years I was involved with these practices not once was I told they do not work,” he said.

‘Rubbish’ call on conversion therapy campaign claims

PREMIER Jeremy Rockliff says people are entitled to their opinions but he will not be intimidated by “rubbish” claims from opponents of a ban on gay conversion therapy.

Liberal member for Bass Lara Alexander is hosting a meeting of Free Speech Alliance Australia at Parliament House on November 23.

The group is opposed to proposed government legislation which bans the discredited pseudomedical practice of attempting at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Tasmanian Law Reform Institute has recommended a ban on conversion therapy practices in Tasmania and for gender dysphoria treatment and assessment to only carried out by qualified health professionals and the government is drafting legislation.

A forum supporting the cause was held at Parliament House on Thursday night hosted by independent MPs Kristie Johnston.

MP Kristie Johnson Picture: Linda Higginson

The Australian Christian Lobby has run newspaper advertisements on the legislation in recent days claiming the laws will ban parents from questioning their children’s desire to change gender.

Equality Tasmania President Rodney Croome rejected the advertisement’s central premise.

“The Australian Christian Lobby is deceiving Tasmanians about legislation to end conversion practices,” he said.

Rodney Croome, President of Equality Tasmania Picture: Linda Higginson

“Parents and guardians have the right to express views on sexuality or gender identity issues to their children and family and to guide their moral and spiritual development.

“The Tasmanian Law Reform Institute reiterates that expressing views about sexuality and gender identity, or disapproving of certain sexualities or gender identities, is not, of itself, a conversion practice.”

Mr Rockliff said people have a right to express their view on the topic and Ms Alexander was entitled to host the meeting.

“We do not want to curtail freedom of speech. There are various views within the community.

“I have my view and my commitments and it’s important that people are well informed but they also informed with the facts.

Mr Rockliff said the Australian Christian Lobby’s claims were “complete rubbish frankly”

“Noone is going to intimidate me … I am my own person, my views are on the record and I’ve had a long history across my 20 years in this Parliament of supporting inclusion, breaking down prejudice and discrimination within our community.

“I’ll stand by those principles, and that’s why I’m committed to outlawing those harmful conversion practices.”

Mr Rockliff said he hoped the legislation would be before parliament by the middle if next year. He said he did not expect Liberal members to be given a conscience vote.