Conversion practices
On 22 March 2024, the NSW Parliament passed a bill that bans LGBTQA conversion practices. The ban will come into force on 4 April 2025.
What are conversion practices?
LGBTQA conversion practices are harmful practices which seek to change or suppress an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. They are sometimes referred to as ‘gay conversion’ practices or ‘conversion therapy’. Evidence shows that conversion practices are dangerous and damaging.
Conversion practices are not supported by medical research. There is no evidence that sexual orientation or gender identity can be changed or suppressed. While it may appear possible for some individuals to temporarily suppress a part of who they are, research shows it cannot be sustained and is harmful.
Conversion practices can include teachings, counselling, spiritual care activities, or other psychological or medical interventions based on the false ideology that there is something wrong or broken about people with diverse sexualities or gender identities.
Conversion practices can include people receiving subtle and repeated messages, that with faith or effort, they can change or suppress their sexual orientation or gender identity.
What does the Act say?
Conversion practices are against the law.
As stated in the Conversion Practices Ban Act 2024 (NSW), a conversion practice means a practice, treatment or sustained effort that is:
- directed to an individual on the basis of the individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, and
- directed to changing or suppressing the individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Act also outlines what is not a conversion practice:
- stating what relevant religious teachings are or what a religion says about a specific topic
- general requirements in relation to religious orders or membership or leadership of a religious community
- general rules in educational institutions
- parents discussing matters relating to sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual activity or religion with their children.
Have you experienced a conversion practice?
Everyone deserves to be respected for who they are.
From 4 April 2025, 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.
Reports can be made to Anti-Discrimination NSW about conversion practices that occurred on or after 4 April 2025. If the practices began before 4 April 2025 but continued past this date, a report can still be made.
Although formal complaints cannot be made about historical conversion practices from before 4 April 2025, Anti-Discrimination NSW welcomes you to share your story. We can guide you towards resources and support services for ongoing healing and assistance in navigating any challenges related to your experience.
Formal complaints about conversion practices may lead to conciliation between the people involved, targeted education or further investigation. Individuals who make a formal complaint are not required to meet with the other party, unless they choose to. Our processes are impartial, flexible and trauma informed.
If you are unsure if what you have experienced or witnessed is considered a conversion practice, we can have a confidential discussion with you about it.
Call us: 1800 670 812 (weekdays 9am to 4pm)
Email: complaintsadb@justice.nsw.gov.au
Criminal offences in relation to conversion practices
Anyone who provides a conversion practice that causes substantial mental or physical harm, or endangers an individual’s life, can face up to 5 years in prison.
Taking someone outside of NSW for these practices – or engaging someone from outside of NSW to deliver a conversion practice to someone in NSW – can lead to up to 3 years in prison, a fine, or both.
Learn more by visiting the NSW Police website.
Support services
You can get further help and support by contacting these organisations:
| Service | Description |
| Ambassadors and Bridge Builders International (ABBI) | Provides a confidential, non-judgemental safe space and initial conversation, and if needed referral to relevant services for survivors of LGBTQ+ conversion experiences. |
| ACON | Provides information and support for LGBTQ+ adults across NSW on a range of health issues. |
| QLife | Provides anonymous and free LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral service for the LGBTIQA+ 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 are LGBTIQA+. |
| TransHub | ACON’s digital information and resource platform for all trans and gender diverse people in NSW, their loved ones, allies and health providers. |
| Transcend Australia |
Delivers rights-based services and advocacy that celebrate gender diversity, affirm autonomy, and enhance the protective factors for strong families and young people’s health and wellbeing. |
| HERE | ACON’s digital hub for information on suicide and situational distress, connecting people of diverse gender and sexuality, their loved ones, and service providers in NSW to care, support and resources. |
| Service | Description |
| Brave Network | A support and advocacy group for LGBTIQA+ people of faith and allies. |
| SOGICE Survivors | A group founded by survivors of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Change Efforts, otherwise known as LGBTQA+ conversion practices. |
| Ambassadors and Bridge Builders International (ABBI) | Serves individuals, churches, denominations, leaders and religious organisations in a respectful way along their journey to understand LGBTQ+ people, their community and relationships. |
| Inner City Legal Centre | Provides a statewide legal advice service for the LGBTIQ community. |
| Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council (AGMC) | A national body that advocates for the rights of multicultural and multifaith LGBTIQ individuals and communities. |
| Service | Description |
| Equal Voices | A national advocacy group for LGBTQIA+ Christians. |
| Queer Middle-Eastern and African Christians in Australia | An advocacy and support organisation for Queer African and Middle-Eastern Christians in Australia. |
| Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) | An affirming Christian Church for all people, and especially LGBTIQA+ identifying people. There are three MCC churches in NSW: MCC Sydney, MCC Good Shepherd and Crave Church. |
| Uniting Network Australia | A national network of LGBTQ+ communities, families, friends and supporters within the Uniting Church in Australia. |
| Acceptance Sydney | A welcoming ministry of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, and their family and friends, affirming their dignity and Catholic faith. |
| Sydney Queer Muslims | A non-profit organisation for LGBT Muslims led by LGBT Muslims. |
| Rainbow Catholics Interagency Australia | Australia's National Catholic Interagency for LGBTIQA+ Affirming Ministries. |
| Service | Description | |
| QLife | Provides anonymous and free LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral service for the LGBTIQA+ community across Australia. | |
| LifeLine |
Provides access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services for people experiencing emotional distress. | |
| 13YARN | Provides access to 24-hour crisis support that is delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. | |
| Kids Helpline | Provides confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. | |
| Beyond Blue | Provides 24-hour information, advice and support for people affected by anxiety, depression and suicide. | |
| Headspace | Provides early intervention mental health services to 12–25-year-olds. Services include online and phone counselling. | |
| ReachOut Australia | Provides information, support and resources about mental health for people 25 and under. | |
| Suicide Call Back Service | Provides 24-hour counselling for suicide prevention and mental health via telephone, online and video for anyone affected by suicidal thoughts. | |
| Guide to finding an affirming psychologist | A resource for individuals seeking support in navigating challenges related to their religious experiences. |
Last updated:
14 Mar 2025