Premium Content:

Tasmanian doctors voice their support for conversion therapy bans

Forty Tasmanian doctors have signed an open letter to Tasmania’s politicians in support of the Tasmanian Law Reform Institute’s recommendation for a ban on LGBTIQA+ conversion practices.

- Advertisement -

The open letter was organised by GPs, Dr Miranda Hann and Dr Shannon Lovell-Greene.

Dr Hann said conversion therapy and toehr change and suppression techniques can cause significant mental harm to people.

“Our open letter shows Tasmanian doctors oppose conversion practices and support the TLRI’s proposal to prohibit such practices.”

“According to recent national and local research, conversion practices cause deep mental harm to those vulnerable people who experience them.”

“Conversion practices also bring the medical professions into disrepute because they are a form of non-medical practice performed by unqualified people providing a harmful and completely discredited ‘therapy’.”

Dr Hann said the open statement refutes the unfounded criticism that a conversion practice ban will have a chilling effect on doctors providing treatment to trans and gender diverse young people.

“The TLRI proposals support existing guidelines for treating young trans and gender diverse people and propose a process of consultation between health authorities and health professionals to ensure these guidelines are always up to date.”

The open letter has been emailed to all Tasmanian state politicians with requests for meetings.

The Tasmanian branch of the Australian Medical Association has already written to all state politicians supporting a conversion ban and the TLRI model for such a ban.

Source: Media Release


Do you need some support?

If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counselling are available from:

QLife: 1800 184 527 / qlife.org.au (Webchat 3pm – midnight)
QLife are a counselling and referral service for LGBTQIA+ people.

DISCHARGEDinfo@discharged.org.au / discharged.org.au
Discharged is a trans-led support service with peer support groups for trans and gender diverse folks.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au

Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 / www.beyondblue.org.au


You can support our work by subscribing to our Patreon
or contributing to our GoFundMe campaign.

Latest

On This Gay Day | Britain repealed the controversial 'Section 28' laws

The laws were brought in by the Thatcher government in 1988.

Government urged to consider combatting LGBTIQA+ hate in school curriculum

Education Minister Jason Clare is tackling antisemitism, but what about homophobia?

On This Gay Day | Neil Tennant is celebrating his birthday

See what else happened on this day in history.

Julia Zemiro to host ABC’s new true-crime panel show ‘Crime Night!’

"Anyone who loves bingeing the latest true crime podcast, or playing detective in the group chat, this is the show for you."

Newsletter

Don't miss

On This Gay Day | Britain repealed the controversial 'Section 28' laws

The laws were brought in by the Thatcher government in 1988.

Government urged to consider combatting LGBTIQA+ hate in school curriculum

Education Minister Jason Clare is tackling antisemitism, but what about homophobia?

On This Gay Day | Neil Tennant is celebrating his birthday

See what else happened on this day in history.

Julia Zemiro to host ABC’s new true-crime panel show ‘Crime Night!’

"Anyone who loves bingeing the latest true crime podcast, or playing detective in the group chat, this is the show for you."

Paola Pivi exhibition brings explosion of colour to AGWA

The Italian-born artist is known for playfully blurring the line between fantasy and reality, incorporating animals and everyday objects in surreal scenarios.

On This Gay Day | Britain repealed the controversial 'Section 28' laws

The laws were brought in by the Thatcher government in 1988.

Government urged to consider combatting LGBTIQA+ hate in school curriculum

Education Minister Jason Clare is tackling antisemitism, but what about homophobia?

On This Gay Day | Neil Tennant is celebrating his birthday

See what else happened on this day in history.