Gay conversion therapy ban comes into effect in Australia

Feb 18, 2022 by

by Jennifer Lee, Christian Today:

A ban on gay conversion therapy that critics say could lead to Christian parents being jailed came into force in the Australian state of Victoria on Thursday.

The new laws make it a criminal offence to try to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Anyone found guilty of the offence faces up to 10 years in prison.

The Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Bill has come into effect a year after it was passed by the Victorian parliament.

Victorian Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said the laws would criminalise practices that are “total quackery”.

“These laws send the clear message that these disgraceful practices are not tolerated in Victoria,” Ms Symes said.

“We’ll always have the LGBTIQ+ community’s back – now the law does too.”

The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) fears that Christians, including parents, risk being criminalised by the new laws.

It has warned that the wording in the reforms are so broad that parents who discourage their children from transitioning will be regarded as suppressing their child’s gender identity.

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