Tuesday October 27th 2026

 

 

Parents of trans and gender diverse children from across Tasmania have written to State MPs calling for them to vote for the proposed ban on conversion practices.

 

The joint letter signed by 28 parents says transgender Tasmanians continue to be subject to harmful conversion practices and claims debate has been hijacked by those who want to stir up anti-transgender prejudice to sink the bill. 

 

The Greens Conversion Practices Prohibition Bill 2026, set to be debated tomorrow, has drawn criticism from those who say it will not allow doctors to explore all options with young people who have gender issues and will instead entrench an affirming approach.

 

One of the parents who signed the letter, Pru Peschar, said, 

 

“Research evidence is clear that trans and gender diverse Tasmanians are still experiencing conversion practices and the harm they inflict.”

 

“Parents of trans and gender diverse children fear the risk of conversion practices is actually increasing because escalating anti-trans prejudice may make young trans and gender diverse people more vulnerable to the false promise they can be ‘fixed’ through such practices.”

 

“We condemn the way the debate has been hijacked by those who want to stir up fear towards the bill by repeating misinformation and stereotypes about our children.”

 

“The bill will not entrench any specific type of gender care, but will adapt to whatever the current medical guidelines are, which is the sensible and responsible approach."

 

A support worker with parents of trans and gender diverse children, Don Pitcher, said parents are concerned the bill may be amended so it does not protect their children.

 

“Parents are concerned that some MPs may move to take gender identity out of the bill, removing protection for their children altogether.”

 

“That would give a green light to conversion practices against trans and gender diverse Tasmanians.”

 

“It would also make the state a haven for anti-trans conversion practices given they have been banned almost everywhere else in Australia.”

 

“We urge MPs to read the letter the parents have sent them and vote for the bill as is, because the bill will protect young Tasmanians who are currently very vulnerable.”

 

A copy of the joint letter is attached. 

 

For a copy of this statement on the web, click here

 

A news report can be found here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-27/parents-of-transgender-children-conversion-practices-ban/107306392