2018-09-03
The new Prime Minister Scott Morrison must come out and commit to stamping out harmful conversion therapy, say the Greens.
The Greens’ call comes after survivors of conversion therapy and sexual orientation change efforts sent an open letter to the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader Bill Shorten calling for a multi-partisan crackdown on the harmful practices.
“Conversion therapies and sexual orientation change efforts are harmful and can have fatal consequences. They must must be stamped out,” said Senator Janet Rice, Australian Greens LGBTIQ spokesperson.
“The basic premise of conversion therapy and sexual orientation change efforts is that LGBTIQ people can and must be changed, rather than being perfect and accepted for who they are.”
“All LGBTIQ people should be able to practice faith without pressure to change or suppress their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.”
“The Prime Minister must come out and work with survivors, the community and the Greens to ban these practices in Australia.”
“So far I am the only parliamentarian to sign the SOCE survivor statement. I call on parliamentarians from other parties to join me and affirm this important statement.”