Hi Supporters!

Really fabulous news! Last night the Brisbane Anglican diocese passed a motion on LGBT+ Conversion with overwhelming support. The motion passed is as follows:

‘This Synod:
1. Acknowledges that every person is made in the image of God.
2. Acknowledges the pain and damage conversion therapy and sexual and gender orientation change efforts have caused in people’s lives.
3. Will not advocate the practice of conversion therapy or propagate conversion/reparative ideology
4. Calls on the Australian government to protect youth and families by banning conversion therapy and asking for stricter regulations for counsellors in this area’

This is an incredibly significant step forward and is the first time that an Anglican diocese has committed to not only not advocate the practice of conversion therapy, but to not propagate LGBTQ+ conversion ideology. (To read about this ideology please see the SOCE Survivor Statement). This is a MASSIVE step forward! Significantly, the motion also includes gender orientation change efforts which is extremely important.

It is heartening to know that the motion was passed with an overwhelming majority. Just one objector out of over 400, illustrating the progress being made.

Also passed was: ‘Affirming Anglican Schools Support of Gender Diverse Students’ 
1. Affirms that Anglican Schools are to be places where all people, including those who are transgender and gender diverse, are welcomed, loved and respected.
2. Commends Anglican Schools on the work they are doing in:
a) Supporting transgender students who have transitioned or are transitioning
b) Developing gender neutral uniform options and other practical support measures
c) Supporting families of transgender students
d) Educating staff on the needs and gifts of transgender students
3. Encourages Anglican Schools to recognise the ‘Australian Standards of Care and Treatment for trans and gender diverse children and adolescents’ as best practice in enabling transgender people to flourish.

Congratulations to the Brisbane Anglican diocese on taking both of these welcome steps!

Chris Csabs