NSW Parliament passes bill to ban LGBTQ+ conversion practices
Published 27 March 2024
On 22 March 2024, the NSW Parliament passed a bill that bans LGBTQ+ conversion practices. Conversion practices are formal or informal practices based on the false ideology that LGBTQ+ people are ‘broken’ and require treatment. Evidence shows that conversion practices are dangerous and damaging.
The bill amends the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 to create a civil response scheme which allows complaints about conversion practices to be made to Anti-Discrimination NSW for conciliation. Under the scheme, Anti-Discrimination NSW also has investigation, education and research functions.
The bill will take effect in 12 months’ time, meaning Anti-Discrimination NSW cannot accept complaints about conversion practices for 12 months. The delayed commencement is to allow for preparation, education and training.
For more information see the NSW Government’s media release.
Support services available
Support services available for people affected by LGBTQ+ conversion practices include the following:
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| ACON | Provides information and support for LGBTQ+ adults across NSW on a range of health issues. |
| LifeLine | Provides access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services for people experiencing emotional distress. |
| QLife | Provides anonymous and free LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral service for the LGBTQIA+ community across Australia. |
| The Gender Centre Inc. | Provides a broad range of services to support transgender, gender diverse and gender exploring people. |
| Twenty10 | Provides a range of services including housing, mental health support and counselling for young people across NSW who identify as LGBTIQA+. |
Advocacy and legal services
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Inner City Legal Centre | Provides a statewide legal advice service for the LGBTIQ community. |
| Brave Network | A support and advocacy group for LGBTIQA+ people of faith and allies. |
| Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council (AGMC) | A national body that advocates for the rights of multicultural and multifaith LGBTIQ individuals and communities. |
Last updated:
03 Apr 2024
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