Applause for cross-party Tasmanian conversion ban vote
Equality Tasmania has applauded Tasmania’s Lower House for passing a bill banning conversion practices.
The bill was passed with cross-party support and without amendments that would have allowed conversion to continue.
Conversion practices are attempts to change, suppress or eliminate sexual orientation or gender identity. They are already banned in five other Australian states and territories.
Equality Tasmania spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said,
“We applaud those MPs who voted for this important and overdue reform.”
“The bill will prevent the deep harm inflicted on LGBTIQA+ people who undertake conversion practices.”
“Cross-party support for the ban sends a strong message to the Upper House that this is an uncontroversial and much-needed reform.”
“Our approach to Upper House members will focus on the personal stories of conversion survivors, as we did with Lower House members.”
Mr Croome thanked MPs for voting down amendments that would have allowed conversion practices to continue.
“Attempts were made to allow conversion if a victim agrees to it, or if it involves prayer, public speech, private conversations or health care.”
“Effectively, that would have allowed most conversion practices to continue.”
“I understand some people have fears about the loss of religious freedom and parental rights, but the experience interstate shows there’s nothing to fear.”
A range of amendments were made to the bill to improve its operation and enhance its focus on education and prevention.
Amendments were also made to other laws including the Anti-Discrimination Act. That Act now protects asexual, aromantic and agender people from discrimination. By virtue of that protection they are also protected from conversion practices.
For a copy of this statement in the web, click here
For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.
