Arabic version: برلمان تسمانيا يستعد لمناقشة حظر ممارسات التحويل
According to ABC News, Tasmania’s parliament is set to debate a Greens bill on Wednesday that would ban conversion practices, following a decade-long push for reform. Conversion practices are attempts to change, suppress or eradicate a person’s sexual or gender identity. Tasmania is one of Australia’s last jurisdictions where the practices remain legal.
The proposed law defines a conversion practice as conduct directed at a person with the intention of changing, suppressing or eradicating their sexual orientation. Consent would not alter that definition. A 2022 Tasmanian Law Reform Institute report found such practices were still occurring in the state and recommended action to address associated risks and harms.
The bill would exempt health services provided by registered practitioners where the practitioner believes the service is appropriate and it meets relevant legal, professional and ethical requirements. It would also exclude genuine support for coping skills, development or identity exploration. Public debate, religious expressions including prayer, and parents discussing sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual activity or religion with their children would not be classified as conversion practices.
Under the proposal, intentionally engaging in a conversion practice that causes injury would be a criminal offence. Cases involving a child or a person with impaired decision-making ability would be treated as aggravated. Taking someone from Tasmania to another jurisdiction for a conversion practice, or advertising material promoting conversion practices, would also be offences.
The legislation would establish a conversion practices commissioner, a role to be held by the anti-discrimination commissioner. The commissioner could receive reports, decide whether to investigate, issue compliance notices or accept enforceable undertakings. More serious injury cases would be indictable and heard in the Supreme Court.
Labor supports the Greens bill and Liberal MPs have been granted a conscience vote. The Greens hold four votes and Labor has 10; 18 votes are needed for passage. Independent Kristie Johnston has confirmed support, while David O’Byrne and Helen Burnet have indicated in-principle backing. ABC News reported the bill appears highly likely to pass unless amendments affect the outcome.
