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Background: So-called “conversion practices,” aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity, have been widely condemned as harmful and ineffective. While some Australian jurisdictions have enacted legislation addressing these practices, gaps remain, and enforcement is often inadequate. Many survivors suffer long-term psychological trauma.

Legal Strategy: This campaign supports a multi-faceted legal approach: (1) Supporting civil actions by survivors against individuals and organizations that have conducted conversion practices, seeking damages for negligence, breach of duty of care, and potentially misleading and deceptive conduct under the Australian Consumer Law; (2) Advocating for stronger legislation at the state/territory and federal levels, including comprehensive bans on conversion practices, robust enforcement mechanisms, and support services for survivors; (3) Challenging any attempts to weaken existing legislation protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination, including religious exemptions that may permit conversion practices. The litigation and advocacy seek: (1) Compensation for survivors of conversion practices; (2) Comprehensive and enforceable bans on conversion practices across all Australian jurisdictions; (3) Increased public awareness of the harms of conversion practices; and (4) Support services for survivors.

Case Status: Potential individual civil claims; ongoing legislative advocacy.

Jurisdiction: State/Territory and Federal.