Equality Tasmania has called on the State Government to introduce its proposed conversion practices ban before State Parliament rises at the end of this week. 

The Government promised to unveil its legislation before the end of the year. 

Spokesperson, Rodney Croome, said, “Conversion practices cause deep harm and are being perpetrated right now in Tasmania. We need legislation as soon as possible to bring such practices to an end.” 

“Three mainland states and territories already have conversion bans, and the others are committed to reform, so Tasmania is at risk of becoming a haven for conversion practices if we don’t act quickly.” 

“We call on the Government to introduce its legislation this week so there is adequate time for community consultation before Parliament returns next year.” 

The Tasmanian Law Reform Institute recommended a ban on conversion practices in May 2022. 

Research commissioned by the Tasmanian Government and conducted by the University of Tasmania found that 1 in 20 LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians have been through formal conversion practices. 

National research has shown conversion survivors are three to four times more likely to have PTSD and attempt suicide than other LGBTIQA+ people. 

For a copy of this statement on the web, click here

For more information contact Rodney Croome on 0409 010 668.