‘Chilling effect’: Faith leaders decry Victoria’s ‘conversion therapy’ ban

Religious leaders in Victoria have urged officials to tackle the “broad overreach” of the Australian state’s conversion therapy ban.

Writing in response to a review of the Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Act implemented in 2022, representatives from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Hindu communities warned that it has “disproportionately affected” religious leaders and parents.

According to Victoria’s guidance, it is illegal to “talk about a person’s brokenness or need to repent” or excommunicate a member for continuing in a same-sex relationship. Likewise, parents are criminalised for opposing their “child’s request for medical treatment that will prevent physical changes from puberty”.

Pastoral care

The leaders stated: “There has been a chilling effect, particularly on religious leaders, many of whom feel constrained or unable to provide appropriate pastoral care to those seeking guidance for fear of breaching the law.”

Highlighting the landmark Cass Review in the UK, their submission noted that there is also “a growing body of evidence pointing to a limited understanding of the long-term health and broader impacts of hormone interventions.

“As it stands, the Act may restrict the ability of young people facing gender incongruence or distress to access a full range of appropriate care – by only allowing one pathway, that of gender affirming care.”

To date, there have been 14 reports of ‘suppression practices’ to the Victoria’s Human Rights Commission, but no prosecutions.

Joanna Timm, Senior Public Affairs Officer at The Christian Institute, explains to TWR why Victoria’s ‘conversion therapy’ ban is having such a chilling effect on ordinary church work and everyday parenting.

‘Censoring parents’

Mrs Timm commented: “For years, activists have championed Victoria’s conversion therapy ban as the model for the UK to follow. That is why this latest intervention from religious leaders in Victoria is so significant.”

“With the Westminster Government doubling down on its commitment to legislation, Victoria shows us what happens when activist demands are written into statute.”

The Government has claimed that its proposed “draft Bill to ban abusive conversion practices” for England and Wales, which would receive pre-legislative scrutiny before going through the process of becoming law, is not “intended to interfere with people’s right to religious belief and expression”.