The bill introduced proposes to criminalise ‘conversion practices’ that seek to change or supress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill will also make it unlawful for people to be taken out of the state to undergo controversial therapy.

Perpetrators who cause serious harm to their victim can face up to five years in jail, and individuals who either try to take or arrange to have someone taken from the state for this purpose would face up to three years in jail, a fine of up to $15,000, or both.

“Government also proposes to amend the Equal Opportunity Act to enable complainants to lodge complaints. I support this”, Commissioner for Equal Opportunity, Jodeen Carney said.

“Every person deserves to be respected for who they are. Conversion practices should rightly be condemned to the past”, Ms Carney said.