Premium Content:

WA government's lack of action on conversion therapy in the spotlight

The Western Australian government has been asked to take legislative action against conversion therapy.

- Advertisement -

The government is currently holding a parliamentary inquiry into the operation of Esther House, a substance abuse facility that has been accused of using suppression and change practices as part of their treatment program.

Previous clients of the facility have shared stories of mental, physical and sexual abuse, alongside reports of conversion practices being used in the past.

The WA government has published some of the public submissions to the inquiry with many of them asking for laws to be brought in to curb the practice, noting that it often occurs in religious based organisations.

In their submission TransFolk of WA call for the government to Implement comprehensive conversion practices legislation in line with the SOGICE Survivor Statement, with particular focus on a civil response scheme. The group also calls for the government to fund educational campaigns to allow for the promotion of LGBTIQA+ inclusive practices. 

Equal Voices, which supports LGBTIQA+ people of faith, also call for the introduction of legislation also arguing that it must cover practices within religious organisations.

“As LGBTIQ+ Christians, we reject attempts to suppress or deny a person’s identity. We strongly support legislative change to outlaw conversion practices in any context.” the group said.

In a joint submission from the Youth Pride Network (YPN) and Ending Conversion Practices WA (ECPWA), Charlotte Glance also implores the government to use the SOGICE Survivors Statement as the guide for addressing the issue.

While Living Proud WA voiced their support for the submission from YPN and ECPWA, saying the Survivors Statement had their full support.

The allegations made towards the Esther Foundation are therefore extremely concerning and we fully support efforts to prevent this from happening again in the future.” said Barry Cosker, the organisation’s chair.

“We we consider conversion practices under any guise as harmful and unethical” Cosker wrote in the submission.

The call for specific legislation was also echoed by WA based LGBTIQA+ community organisation Rainbow Futures.

While the ACT, Queensland and Victorian governments have introduced dedicated legislation to ban the practices, the McGowan government has instead opted for a tightening up of the registration requirements for counselors.

Tasmania’s Liberal government is also currently considering introducing specific legislation to outlaw conversion practices.

The WA inquiry is being conducted by Labor MPs Chris Tallentire, Lisa Baker, Lisa Munday, Caitlin Collins, Kevin Michael and Stuart Aubrey.

Graeme Watson


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

Teacher fired after being outed by his husband’s obituary

Mark Richards taught at the same school for over two decades.

On This Gay Day | Walt Whitman published Leaves of Grass

The poet's best-known work is also considered the clearest indication that Whitman was same sex attracted.

Tribunal rules E-Safety Commissioner’s attempt to protect Teddy Cook was not justified

The decision has been heralded as a win for free speech.

Revelation begins with ‘U Are the Universe’

It's a rare chance to see Ukrainian sci-fi about the potential end of the human race.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Teacher fired after being outed by his husband’s obituary

Mark Richards taught at the same school for over two decades.

On This Gay Day | Walt Whitman published Leaves of Grass

The poet's best-known work is also considered the clearest indication that Whitman was same sex attracted.

Tribunal rules E-Safety Commissioner’s attempt to protect Teddy Cook was not justified

The decision has been heralded as a win for free speech.

Revelation begins with ‘U Are the Universe’

It's a rare chance to see Ukrainian sci-fi about the potential end of the human race.

CinnefestOZ announced the four films competing for their $100,000 prize

Two WA made films are in the running for the big prize.

Teacher fired after being outed by his husband’s obituary

Mark Richards taught at the same school for over two decades.

On This Gay Day | Walt Whitman published Leaves of Grass

The poet's best-known work is also considered the clearest indication that Whitman was same sex attracted.

Tribunal rules E-Safety Commissioner’s attempt to protect Teddy Cook was not justified

The decision has been heralded as a win for free speech.