Tasmania Bans Conversion Practices After Years of Advocacy

After years of campaigning by survivors who shared deeply personal stories, Tasmania's lower house of parliament has passed legislation banning conversion practices targeting LGBTQIA+ people.

The Greens-led bill passed with support from Labor, four independent MPs, and three Liberal members, including Premier Jeremy Rockliff. It defines conversion practices as harmful attempts to change, suppress, or eradicate a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.

The decision comes four years after Tasmania's Law Reform Institute first recommended outlawing these practices. Research by La Trobe University found that one in 20 young queer Tasmanians have experienced them, and that exposure is linked to higher suicide risk.

Rodney Croome from Equality Tasmania said he felt overjoyed for the survivor-advocates who courageously shared their traumatic experiences to push for change. "They have bared their souls," he said, expressing hope that Tasmania will become a place where these harmful practices no longer occur.

Premier Rockliff, who allowed his Liberal MPs a conscience vote, called it a "significant step forward" for the state. He emphasized how meaningful this progress is for victim-survivors and their lived experiences.

The Ripple Effect

When this bill becomes law, Tasmania will join most Australian states and territories in protecting young people from these harmful practices. Only Western Australia and the Northern Territory will remain without similar protections, though Western Australia's Labor government has committed to introducing a ban.

Greens Leader Rosalie Woodruff highlighted that the legislation passed thanks to years of community campaigning and brave testimony from survivors and their families. The bill includes clear protections for religious prayer, online debate, appropriate healthcare, and parent-child conversations about identity and faith.

Importantly, the bill maintained its strength throughout nearly 20 hours of debate. Attempts to weaken the legislation and allow conversion practices to continue were unsuccessful, sending a strong message that protecting vulnerable young people has mainstream support.

The bill now moves to Tasmania's upper house for consideration, bringing the state one step closer to ensuring all young Tasmanians can embrace their authentic selves without fear of harmful practices designed to change who they are.