Conversion therapy practices will be banned in SA when new legislation is introduced to the State Parliament this week. Conversion practices – which aim to change or suppress an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity – will face severe penalties under the new legislation.
Perpetrators causing serious harm to the LGBTIQ community could receive up to five years in jail. As well as anyone attempting to leave the state for such practices could face three years in jail, a $15,000 fine, or both penalties.
With the laws set to be debated in parliament later this week, there is a strong push to prevent further harm and provide immediate protection to those at risk.
This move aligns South Australia with other states that have recognised the need to protect their citizens from these outdated and harmful practices. The introduction of such legislation is a crucial step in ensuring a safer and more inclusive environment for all South Australians, particularly protecting young members of the community from psychological abuse.
This echos measures already in place across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and the ACT – with the Premier of Western Australia announcing his intention in 2021 to ban conversion therapy by healthcare practitioners, and in 2023, Tasmania’s government announced its intention to ban conversion therapy.
South Australia’s proposed laws also safeguard conversations between parents and children, and uphold the ability to express religious teachings and beliefs. Victims of these harmful practices will have the right to lodge a complaint with the Equal Opportunity Commissioner. Remedies will be enforced by the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Attorney-General Maher has made the government’s position on the issue clear.
“The South Australian Government is sending a clear message to our LGBTIQ community – you are loved just the way you are,” he said.
He further stated, “Supporters of this ugly practice call it ‘therapy’. The fact is, this act is a form of abuse.”
“It is a damaging practice that seeks to force members of the LGBTIQ community to abandon who they are under the guise of ‘saving’ or ‘helping’ them.”
The Attorney-General acknowledged the support from various sectors of the community in shaping the new laws, saying, “I thank all those survivors, advocates and faith leaders who have engaged with the government on this issue over the past several years.”
Announced by Attorney-General Kyam Maher, these laws are part of a broader national movement towards enhancing equal rights and ensuring that societal norms do not contribute to the harm of vulnerable groups.
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