Reforms introduced by the State Government to protect LGBTIQ+ Victorians against conversion practices have come into effect, seeking to put an end to practices that seek to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Act 2021, which was passed by Parliament last year, denounces change and suppression practices as false, deceptive and seriously harmful – and puts in place measures to hold perpetrators to account.
From Thursday 17 February, people who subject others to change or suppression practices that cause serious injury can face criminal charges – with penalties of up to 10 years’ jail.
Anyone who advertises change or suppression practices faces a maximum fine of almost $10,000, while taking a person from Victoria to subject them to such a practice which causes injury attracts a maximum penalty of two years’ jail.
Informed by the experiences of survivors and trauma-informed responses, the laws empower the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) to accept and act on reports of change or suppression practices from any person.
VEOHRC’s civil response scheme will support survivors, address the harm they have endured and educate the public about this ban, aiming to shift the culture surrounding conversion practices.
VEOHRC will ensure any response meets the needs and wishes of the affected person and will also be able to launch investigations where there is evidence of serious or systemic change or suppression practices.
The laws strike the right balance between the important and legitimate objective of protecting people from the harm caused by change or suppression practices while respecting the rights to freedom of speech and freedom of religion.
Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes endorsed the reforms.
“Change or suppression practices are deeply harmful and total quackery – they must be stamped out,” Ms Symes said.
“These laws send the clear message that these disgraceful practices are not tolerated in Victoria. We’ll always have the LGBTIQ+ community’s back – now the law does too.”
