Gagged.
Therapists and parents risk being reported for exploring a young person’s gender distress.
We support protecting lesbian, gay and bisexual people from coercive and abusive attempts to change or suppress their sexual orientation.
Our concern is that this bill goes further, and may harm the young people it is meant to protect.
Four clauses that put therapists on notice.
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Section 5
Gender identity is covered
A conversion practice includes conduct aimed at changing or suppressing a person's gender identity, "with or without the person's consent".
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Section 5(3)
Counsellors left out
The health-service protection covers registered health practitioners only. Many counsellors and psychotherapists aren't registered.
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Sections 10–11
Beyond the criminal law
A general prohibition and a positive duty, enforced by a new Conversion Practices Commissioner with investigation powers.
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Sections 27
Anyone can report
A report can be made by any person, "whether or not affected by a conversion practice", including people outside the therapy room.