Calls to ban LGBTQ+ conversion practices in NSW

By Marian SAMPSON

NSW LABOR have announced their intention to ban LGBTQ+ conversion practices in New South Wales if elected in the upcoming state election.

On Saturday the party declared they would prohibit the practice and will work with survivors and all other stakeholders to develop legislation that works in NSW, promising to establish a joint working group of NSW Health and the NSW Department of Justice members to draft the laws. for it in NSW,” said NSW Labor Leader Chris Minns.

“We should not have a situation where children are being told something is wrong with them and that they need to be fixed.” to ban LGBTQ+ conversion practices and called for similar commitments from each of the major political parties ahead of the NSW state election. of conversion practices. and are not supported by any medical or psychological professional association.

NSW COUNCILS have welcomed a pledge by the State’s Coalition Government to inject $1 billion into the regional road network, and called on all candidates to make the same commitment.

The call follows the announcement by Deputy Premier Paul Toole that the current Government, if reelected, would significantly increase roads and rail funding in regional NSW in response to the state road emergency declared late last year.

The funding

“Conversion therapy is a dangerous and damaging practice and there’s no room commitment includes:

○ A further $400 million injection into the successful Fixing Local Roads program to help regional councils continue their work to repair, maintain and seal the roads in their communities;

○ $300 million for the establishment of a new Fast Tracking Freight program to tackle freight pinch points on the road and rail network, better connect road and rail with key and emerging freight hubs and increase the capacity and reliability of

The announcement came days after Independent Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich proposed a bill the network; and

Mr Greenwich’s proposed bill would prohibit practices that seek to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, and introduce a civil response scheme addressing serious or systemic instances

“NSW is lagging behind other states and territories that have already acted to protect people from the harms caused by LGBTQ+ conversion practices,” said Ghassan Kassisieh, Legal Director of national LGBTIQ+ group Equality Australia.

“Practices seeking to change or suppress a person’s sexuality or gender identity cause real and lasting harm

“NSW can still salvage its reputation as a laggard on LGBTIQ+ equality by committing to address the unfinished business of LGBTIQ+ rights in this state, including by ending conversion practices.

“With a state election at the end of March, now is time for all politicians in NSW to commit to reforms to end LGBTQ+ conversion practices once and for all,” he said.