South Australian Parliament Votes to Ban Conversion Practices

South Australian Parliament Votes to Ban Conversion Practices

South Australia Joins Other States in Banning Harmful Conversion Practices

Following in the footsteps of Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and New South Wales, South Australia has officially passed a law banning conversion practices. The bill, which passed the Parliament with 13 votes to 8, has been praised by survivors and advocacy groups, highlighting its potential to protect vulnerable individuals and save lives.

Conversion Practices Deemed Abusive and Harmful

Conversion practices, aimed at changing or suppressing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, have been widely condemned for the psychological and physical harm they cause. The new law ensures that these harmful practices will no longer be legal in South Australia.

Anna Brown, CEO of Equality Australia, welcomed the legislation, calling it a “crucial moment” for the LGBTQIA+ community, emphasizing that these individuals are not “broken or in need of fixing.” While acknowledging some imperfections, Brown stressed the importance of this law in protecting thousands of vulnerable people in the state.

Read also : Kentucky Governor Bans “Conversion Therapy” for Minors

Survivors Welcome the New Law

For many survivors, this legislation represents a step toward healing and recognition. Megan Barnes, a survivor of conversion practices, expressed that the law offers hope and support to those who feel isolated and endangered due to their experiences. She stated, “This law is for all the people who feel alone and unsafe right now, who have been made to doubt who they are.”

The legislation criminalizes conversion practices, making it illegal to participate in or transport someone out of South Australia to undergo such practices. Offenders face penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to $15,000. The law also provides survivors with a civil remedy to seek compensation and allows complaints to be filed beyond the usual 12-month statute of limitations.

Continued Efforts Across Australia

South Australia’s new law is part of a broader national effort to end conversion practices. Other states like Queensland have restricted these practices within health services, while Western Australia and Tasmania have committed to introducing reforms. However, Tasmania has been criticized for its slow pace in taking action.

Rodney Croome, spokesperson for Equality Tasmania, warned that the state risks becoming a refuge for practitioners expelled from other regions. He urged Tasmanian lawmakers to prioritize banning conversion practices, highlighting the support from major health organizations, including the Tasmanian branch of the Australian Medical Association.

Advocates Call for Further Action

Despite this legislative victory, rights advocates insist that more work remains to be done. Anna Brown emphasized that while the law represents a significant step forward, it does not fully address the issue, particularly with the lack of a ban on isolated cases of conversion practices. Activists continue to push for additional reforms to ensure comprehensive protection for LGBTQIA+ individuals across the country.