Sexuality and Gender Identity Conversion Practices in the ACT
Summary
In 2021, the ACT Government banned harmful sexuality and gender identity conversion practices.
The Sexuality and Gender Conversion Practices Act 2020 makes it illegal to perform practices which aim to change someone’s sexuality or gender identity. It is a crime to perform these practices on children or people who cannot make health decisions. Others who experience these practices, or know of someone who has, can make a complaint to the ACT Human Rights Commission.
In 2024 the Office of LGBTIQA+ Affairs reviewed this law to understand if these practices were still happening in the ACT. The review didn’t find clear evidence of conversion practices in the ACT, which may mean the ban is working.
However, during this review, community members expressed concerns that there may be not enough knowledge about the ban in the community. They recommended raising more awareness about the law, human rights of LGBTIQA+ people, and supports available. You can read the full report below.
More work is planned under the Capital of Equality Strategy 2024-2029 to improve this law.
Support
Talking about these issues can be hard, but you don't have to do it alone. These services are here to help:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 (crisis support, available 24/7)
- QLife: 1800 184 527 (3pm - midnight, everyday)
- Meridian Counselling: 02 6257 2855 (9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday - Friday)