Conversion Practices Prohibition Bill Tabled
Greens MP Rosalie Woodruff has today tabled a Bill which would prevent damaging conversion practices from continuing in Lutruwita/Tasmania. Equality Tasmania has coordinated long-term consultation & advocacy to prepare this Bill and ensure it is informed by lived experience of survivors and up-to-date research.
Conversion practices do not work, and can have devastating consequences for survivors. According to LaTrobe University, 1 in 20 LGBTIQA+ Tasmanians has been subjected to these practices, with evidence showing that survivors have much higher rates of anxiety, PTSD and suicideality.
If you’ve been affected by conversion practices, you’re not alone - support is available.
Working It Out recognises the impact that media and debate on conversion practices can have a big impact on the health and wellbeing of our community, and strongly advises media and politicians to think very carefully about their language and tone when discussing this topic.
Working It Out thanks community members who have shared their lived experience, their compassion and their expertise to create this Bill, which is another step towards a Tasmania that affirms and celebrates people of diverse sexualities, genders and sex characteristics so they are safe, connected, valued and able to thrive.
Need help right now?
If you or someone you love needs support, Working It Out offer free & confidential support sessions for 18+ LGBTQIA+ Tasmanians available in person at Burnie, Hobart and Launceston, or by phone, or online.
To book, go to our Booking Form click HERE. Or call us on 6231 1200 (Tues-Thurs)
You can also contact Q-Life, a free and anonymous peer-support and referral service run by LGBTIQA+SB people for LGBTIQA+SB people by phoning 1899 184 527 or on webchat between 3pm and 9am every day.
Outside these hours you can call Lifeline 13 11 14 for crisis support.
If you or someone you love are feeling isolated or lonely and need connection with Tasmanian LGBTIQA+ Community, check out Get Connected, Working It Out's LGBTIQA+ Community Calendar click HERE.
In Photo: Phoebe Adams (Working It Out / TasPride), Greens MP Cecily Rosol, Greens MP Tabatha Badger, Rodney Croome (Equality Tasmania), Greens MP Rosalie Woodruff, Greens MP Vica Bayley, Olivia Hogarth (CEO Working It Out), Cassy O'Connor MP & Don Pitcher (Engender Equality / Working It Out)