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Gay conversion therapy has officially been banned in the state of Victoria after a bill passed in parliament overnight in what MP are calling “one more step in the fight for full equality.”
The Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Bill makes attempts to change or suppress someone’ sexual identity a crime carrying a penalty of up to 10 years in jail or $10,000.
Those found to have engaged in conversion practices that result in serious injury will face penalties of up to 10 years’ jail or up to $10,000 in fines.
In supporting the bill, Animal Justice party MP Andy Meddick described himself as the proud father of two “perfect” transgender children.
“They do not need fixing,” he said. “Nor do any other children or adults who do not fit an often religiously held belief that sexuality and gender are binary only.”
Labor’s Harriet Shing, the first openly lesbian member of Victorian parliament, acknowledged conversion therapy victims and survivor groups who have advocated for the ban for many years.
The Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Bill makes it illegal to attempt to change or suppress a person s sexual orientation or gender identity, carrying a penalty of 10 years jail or fines up to $10,000.
It also gives investigative powers to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) and the ability to refer matters to police.
Parliament of Victoria, where the Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Bill passed late on Thursday evening.(Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Victorian Parliament s only openly gay MP, Harriet Shing, said the legislation is an important move to recognise the pain and the trauma and the hurt of victims and survivors ,
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The Victorian parliament has voted to outlaw gay conversion therapy in a marathon sitting of the state s upper house.
The world-leading Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Bill passed the Legislative Council late on Thursday night 29 votes to nine following a 12-hour debate.
Liberal MPs Bev McArthur and Bernie Finn broke party ranks and voted against the government s legislation, along with crossbench MPs Jeff Bourman, Catherine Cumming, Clifford Hayes, Stuart Grimley, David Limbrick, Tania Maxwell and Tim Quilty.
The bill outlaws any therapy that attempts to change or suppress a person s sexual orientation or gender identity and empowers the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission to investigate reports of conversion practices.
It seems the Victorian Liberal-National Opposition is taking strategic advice from the same people who are advising embattled Collingwood Football Club…