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New legislation passed by the NSW government has officially banned LGBTQ+ conversion practices in the state, with anyone caught continuing these harmful practices now facing up to five years in prison.
The operation of harmful conversion practices aimed at “changing or suppressing” the sexual orientation or gender identity of LGBTQ+ individuals has been prohibited in NSW, following the passage of new legislation last week.
Conversion practices, also known as “conversion therapy” or suppression practices, are founded on the harmful and “false” belief that being LGBTQ+ is a “disorder” that needs to be “treated”.
These practices can involve “psychological or medical interventions”, “counselling”, or even “subtle and repeated messages” that insinuate LGBTQ+ individuals can change or suppress their sexual orientation or gender identity through “faith or effort”.
The Conversion Practices Ban Act 2024, which came into effect on 4 April, has introduced both criminal penalties and a civil complaints process to be overseen by Anti-Discrimination NSW (ADNSW).
The new law now makes it illegal for anyone to attempt to change or suppress – or pressure someone into changing or suppressing – their sexual orientation or gender identity, even if the individual “ask[s] for help to do so”.
Anyone found carrying out conversion practices can now face up to five years of imprisonment.
Importantly, ADNSW clarified that “the ban doesn’t prevent general religious teaching or expressions of religious principles, or parental discussions with their children related to sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual activity or religion”.
Instead, the organisation emphasised that the legislation is focused on targeting “practice, treatment or sustained effort directed at someone to change their sexual orientation or gender identity”.
Attorney-General Michael Daley emphasised that conversion practices cause “real and significant harm” to members of the LGBTQ+ community, affirming that such individuals “do not need fixing or to be saved”.
Chris D’Aeth, the acting president of ADNSW, revealed that the agency will assume responsibility for managing the civil complaints scheme related to conversion practices occurring on or after 4 April 2025.
“Formal complaints about conversion practices may lead to conciliation between the people involved, targeted education or further investigation,” D’Aeth said.
D’Aeth added: “We can also guide individuals towards resources and support services for ongoing healing and assistance in navigating any challenges related to their experience.”
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