State ‘better’ for banning ’harmful practice’
Gay conversion therapy has officially been banned in NSW, the latest state in Australia to do so.
After hours of debate in an overnight parliament sitting, the Bill was finally passed 22 votes to four.
The new legislation criminalises gay conversion therapy, plus makes it illegal to extradite someone to a different state to receive the therapy.
After a gruelling night of debate, proceedings officially ended at 6.30am the following morning.
Environment Minister and Legislative Council leader Penny Sharpe said the Bill evidenced how “harmful practices have no place” in NSW.
“What NSW has done today is to say to our LGBTQ community that you are fine just the way you are and that we will look after you and that we will protect you,” she said.
“NSW is better today with the passing of this legislation.”
Independent member Alex Greenwich said the sun was rising on a state safer for LGBTQ+ people.
“I’m grateful to the Minns Labor government for delivering a prohibition on LGBTQ conversion practices and working with me and so many stakeholders to get the balance right on this historic legislation,” Mr Greenwich said.
“LGBTQ people are loved and beautiful, and futile attempts to change or suppress who we are will now be illegal in NSW.”
Attorney-General Michael Daley also applauded the passing of the Bill.
“Conversion therapy proceeds on the basis that people in the LGBTQ+ community are broken, they need fixing,” he said.
“But we like them just the way they are.”
Conversion therapy has already been banned in Victoria and the ACT, with South Australia and Tasmania considering reforming their legislation.
