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On the eve of the Conversion Practices Ban Act 2024 officially starting, Anti-Discrimination New South Wales held an event at Parliament House to explain how the act will work, celebrate the change, and remember the victims and survivors of this inhumane practice.

It was an emotional morning that mixed the joy of the occasion and the pain of acknowledging the trauma inflicted by conversion practices. To mark the ban on LGBTQA conversion practices, Anti-Discrimination NSW invited a group of influential speakers, including Attorney General Michael Daley, to address media, activists, and survivors of the practice. 

The act, which commenced at midnight on 4 April, means that it is against the law for a person or organisation to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Critics of the act indicate it imposes restrictions on parents’ rights to talk to their children about these issues, or on personal religious beliefs and practices. Anthony Venn-Brown OAM, founder and CEO of Ambassadors & Bridge Builders, and former Pentecostal preacher, said: “some will argue this legislation infringes on religious freedom or parental rights, but is not anti-religion.” 

“This is about ending the well-documented harm and protecting vulnerable LGBTQA people. LGBTQA people are out and proud and loved by their families, contributing to societies and in some cases part of faith communities. To treat them as unacceptable or in need of fixing is not only against Christianity, Islam and Judaism but is also a violation of their fundamental human rights.” 

Under the act, complaints about conversion practices will be investigated and lead to either conciliation between parties, targeted education or further investigation. If no conciliation is reached, the matter moves to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal which can lead to financial compensation of up to $100,000, or enforceable orders. 

Causing physical harm or endangering an individual’s life in conversion therapy can lead to up to five years’ prison. It’s also a crime take an individual outside of New South Wales seek a conversion practice somewhere else. These cases can lead to up to three years of prison. 

“We can also guide individuals towards resources and support services for ongoing healing and assistance in navigating any challenges related to their experience” said Chris D’Aeth, ADNSW acting President. 

Anna Brown OAM, CEO of Equality Australia, moderated a panel of academics and activists, including trans-rights activist Teddy Cook, Macquarie University Professor Tiffany Jones, Chris Csabs and Huss Hawli, two conversion therapy survivors whose work was essential in the passing of this act.  

Jones pointed to research and studies that show how the experience of Csabs and Hawli was not a “one-off”, saying two-thirds of LGBTQA people have been exposed to conversion messages, usually in their youth, and that it affects their school achievements and mental health. According to those studies, 80 per cent of individuals exposed to these procedures consider self-harm and 60 per cent attempt self-harm. 

NSW Attorney General Michael Daley thanked the individuals, survivors, and advocacy groups, who worked with the government to legislate this ban. 

“Everyone deserves to be respected for who they are,” Daley said. “There is nothing ‘wrong’ with LGBTQ+ people. They do not need ‘fixing’ or to be ‘saved’”. 

“Tonight at midnight, history will be made”. 

For more information on conversion practices and how the new law is applied, visit the NSWAD page.