Gay conversion therapy is set to be outlawed in Victoria under new laws to be introduced to parliament on Wednesday.
Conversion therapy is any of several dangerous and discredited practices aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Bill would make practices that seek to change or suppress a person’s sexuality or gender identity illegal in Victoria. Under the new proposed laws, those who subject others to change or suppression practices that cause injury or serious injury would face up to 10 years imprisonment. Those who try to avoid the law in Victoria by sending people to conversion practices out of the state could face a prison term of up to two years. Advertising such practices would also incur a criminal penalty and maximum fine of almost $10,000.
Attorney-General Jill Hennessy said the proposed laws sent a clear message that no one is ‘broken’ because of their sexuality or gender identity. Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ communities Ro Allen said the reforms ‘will save lives’.
The legislation in Victoria will not pass until next year at the earliest.
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