Page 2226 - Week 07 - Thursday, 27 August 2020
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A 2018 joint report conducted by the Human Rights Law Centre, La Trobe University and Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria notes that at least 10 organisations in Australia and New Zealand were advertising the provision of conversion practices. This proves that conversion practices occur in Australia and that our entire population may be exposed to advertising and messaging related to them.
We also know that thousands of people have been harmed by these practices for decades, and many of those who have survived have shared their experiences to inform the public discourse on this matter. A total of 15 LGBTIQ+ people participated in the 2018 study I mentioned, bravely sharing their experiences in the first academic study of its kind in Australia. It is thanks to people like these participants that legislation is now making its way into parliaments across the country to protect the lives of LGBTIQ+ Australians.
We know conversion practices are not based on improving health outcomes for LGBTIQ+ people, and it is not just the ACT government that believes conversion practices should be banned. The Australian Medical Association, the Australian Psychological Society and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychologists have all condemned conversion practices.
While there is concern among some people that this bill may impact their freedom of religion, the simple fact is that conversion practices have no place in our society. While everyone deserves the right to express their religion, no-one has the right to cause harm based on their religion.
I acknowledge the many organisations and individuals who engaged in the consultation on this bill and recognise the Chief Minister and the Office for LGBTIQ Affairs for undertaking a process that ensured all views were heard and responded to accordingly. It is important for everyone in our community to have the opportunity to express their views on legislation before the Assembly and I am confident that this bill reflects our community’s expectation while ensuring that every Canberran can still practise their faith and religion.
As a minister in the ACT government and a member of Canberra’s LGBTIQ+ community, I am proud that we are delivering this important protection for Canberrans which delivers on a key commitment in the capital of equality first action plan 2019-20. Today we have the opportunity to pass legislation that will protect and save the lives of thousands of Canberrans, including children and young people.
Our community expects us, as their representatives, to pass laws that make our city a better place. and Canberrans are rightly proud to live in the most inclusive jurisdiction in Australia. This legislation delivers on our longstanding commitment to support every Canberran from harm based on their gender or sexuality. I am hopeful that, as a parliament, we can all come together in support of this bill and continue to lead the way in promoting inclusion for all. I commend the bill to the Assembly.
MR RAMSAY (Ginninderra—Attorney-General, Minister for the Arts, Creative Industries and Cultural Events, Minister for Building Quality Improvement, Minister
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