The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has become the second region in Australia to ban LGBTQ+ conversion therapy. Anyone found using the controversial form of therapy will be fined $24,000 or sentenced to a one year of imprisonment. Queensland became the first Australian state to outlaw conversion therapy on August 20.
The new legislation defines conversion therapy as a practise which aims to ‘change a person’s sexuality or gender identity’. Practises have ranged from talking therapy to extreme methods such as electroshocks or ‘corrective’ rape. It has been widely discredited and known to cause trauma and depression in those who are subjected to it.
Gordon Ramsay, attorney general of ACT recalled various stories of people’s experiences with conversion therapy during the assembly where the bill was passed. He was seen to be tearful during the readings and said ‘these are not my stories to tell but they are painful and traumatic’.
Australia has made steps towards LGBTQ+ equality in the last few years same sex marriage being legalised in 2017. Sydney is also considered to be one of the most ‘gay-friendly’ cities in the world. The ban of conversion therapy in ACT and Queensland marks another shift in Australia’s attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community.
