LGBTQA conversion practices banned in NSW: Anti-Discrimination NSW to administer new civil complaints scheme

Published 4 April 2025

Harmful LGBTQA conversion practices seeking to change or suppress an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity are banned from today.

The Conversion Practices Ban Act 2024 prohibits LGBTQA conversion practices in NSW and creates criminal offences for delivering or arranging conversion practices and a civil complaints scheme which will be administered by Anti-Discrimination NSW (ADNSW).

Conversion practices, which are sometimes referred to as ‘conversion therapy’ or suppression practices, are based on the false ideology that LGBTQA people have a ‘disorder’ or require treatment.

These practices can include psychological or medical interventions, counselling, or subtle and repeated messages that LGBTQA people can change or suppress their sexual orientation or gender identity with faith or effort.

Evidence shows that conversion practices are dangerous and damaging.

From today, it is against the law for someone to try to change or suppress – or make you change or suppress – your sexual orientation or gender identity, even if you ask for help to do so.

Anyone who provides a conversion practice that causes substantial mental or physical harm, or endangers a person’s life, can face up to five years in prison.

The ban does not 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. It is targeted at a practice, treatment or sustained effort directed at someone to change their sexual orientation or gender identity.

ADNSW acting President Chris D’Aeth said that under the civil complaints scheme, Anti-Discrimination NSW will investigate reports about conversion practices which occur on or after 4 April 2025.

“Formal complaints about conversion practices may lead to conciliation between the people involved, targeted education or further investigation,” Mr D’Aeth said. 

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

Anti-Discrimination NSW has developed a range of resources and will also deliver information sessions to educate and inform the public about the new law.

Find out more information about the LGBTQA conversion practices ban and the new civil complaints scheme.