Stop the Greens'
"Conversion Practices" Bill

The Tasmanian Greens have introduced a new bill into Parliament – but what exactly would it ban?

The bill is called the Conversion Practices Prohibition Bill, and it is supposed to protect people from harmful and coercive attempts to change their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

However, the bill’s definition does not require harm or coercion. And it applies with or without consent. Where would it draw the line between a “conversion practice” and the guidance someone freely seeks?

To make the bill worse, any “conversion practice” directed towards a child is automatically defined as child abuse – even if it caused absolutely no harm.

On top of this, churches, faith communities and other organisations could be held liable for failing to prevent “conversion practices” amongst their members and volunteers – even though we can’t clearly say what is and is not a “conversion practice”!