I am a survivor of conversion therapy, being subject to these practices as a young adolescent, and know firsthand the devastating impact it can have on individuals. Conversion therapy, "harmful practices which seek to change or suppress an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity", remains legal in large parts of Australia (Anti-Discrimination NSW). Despite being widely discredited and denounced by medical experts, only a few states and territories have taken steps to ban these harmful practices entirely.

Conversion therapy is not only ineffective but also harmful and traumatic. According to the Australian Psychological Society, not only is there no scientific evidence that sexual orientation can be changed, but there is a significant risk of causing depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts among those subjected to these practices. Surveys from organisations like the National LGBTI Health Alliance reveal that LGBTQ+ Australians are disproportionately likely to experience mental health issues, often directly linked to experiences like conversion therapy.

The harm caused by conversion therapy is undeniable. Survivors like myself are left to navigate the psychological scars and traumas imposed by these baseless practices. Despite mounting international condemnation, Australia lacks a national framework to protect its citizens from this abuse. Countries such as New Zealand, Canada, Germany, and Malta have led the way by enacting nationwide prohibitions. Australia must join these ranks to ensure the safety and well-being of all its citizens.

We call upon the federal government to enact comprehensive national legislation that effectively bans conversion therapy across Australia. Such legislation should be informed by survivor experiences and developed in consultation with mental health experts, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, and legal professionals. It must include strict penalties for practitioners and robust mechanisms for the enforcement of the ban.

Help protect the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ Australians by demanding a nationwide ban on conversion therapy. Sign this petition to urge our leaders to take firm and immediate action against this harmful practice. Together, we can ensure a safer, more inclusive Australia for everyone.

Our Proposed Legislative Aims (Draft No. 1):

• National ban of conversion therapy/practices 
• Conversion therapy/practices definition expanded to include attempts to change OR suppress sexual orientation/gender identity
• No limitation period on reporting conversion therapy/practices
• No prohibition on third party reporting of conversion therapy/practices
• Prosecution of those who take individuals outside of Australia for conversion therapy/practices
• “Informed consent” to conversion therapy/practices should not form an exception to legislative prosecution
• No consequential element requirement threshold of physical or mental harm resulting from conversion therapy (it is already implicit in conversion therapy), in that it rather should be used as a metric for sentencing
• No circumstantial element requirement that the conversion therapy be a “sustained effort” or “more than 1 event”

Issues Under Consideration:

• We note the cultural-religious sensitivity, freedom to religion and parental guidance, albeit we want to ensure practices and guidance do not fall within the scope of the proposed Conversion Therapy definition
• The retrospective nature of the proposed Bill
• Integrated criminal and/or civil remedies

(Still subject to ongoing discussion with conversion therapy survivors and LGBTQIA+ & research recommendations)

Keep up to date with @endconversiontherapyaustralia (Instagram)