Conversion Practices Ban Passes Lower House in Tasmania, Australia
A bill banning conversion practices has passed Tasmania’s lower house of parliament, advancing legislation aimed at prohibiting attempts to change, suppress or eradicate a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Greens bill received support from Labor, four independent MPs and Liberal MPs Jeremy Rockliff, Bridget Archer and Roger Jaensch. It passed on the voices, without a recorded division.
Bill Heads to Upper House
The legislation now moves to Tasmania’s upper house for consideration.
Equality Tasmania campaigner Rodney Croome welcomed the result, describing the legislation as important and overdue. Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff credited years of campaigning by survivors, advocates and families.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff, who allowed Liberal MPs a conscience vote, also welcomed its progress.
Opponents, including Treasurer Eric Abetz and Deputy Premier Guy Barnett, argued that the legislation went too far. Lower-house MPs debated the bill for almost 20 hours.
