April 1, 2024 – A ban on LGBTQA+ conversion practices in South Australia comes into effect today, with survivors and community groups saying the new law will protect thousands of vulnerable people into the future.
Conversion practices that seek to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity are now illegal in SA, with perpetrators convicted of causing serious harm facing up to five years in jail.
It’s also a criminal offence to take someone out of the state to undergo a conversion practice and complaints can be made to Equal Opportunity SA.
Conversion practices are already illegal in Victoria, the ACT and NSW while Queensland has a partial ban in health settings. Western Australia has committed to reforms.
Jace Reh, Adelaide survivor-advocate:
“These reforms are another important step forward to show that our lives are worth living as authentically as we want. What happened to me was unacceptable and should have never happened.
“No longer can people in positions of power tell us that who we are is wrong and now we can take the time to heal.”
Megan Barnes, Adelaide survivor-advocate:
"The existence of this law is a testament to the strength and bravery of survivors who have stepped up and spoken out, and a step in the right direction that will hopefully open up pathways to enable recovery and healing to take place.
“The law will help to prevent future victims of these dehumanising and traumatising practices, but we need to ensure there is adequate crisis support in place, suitable resources and recovery measures available for those currently suffering.”
Varo, CEO of SA Rainbow Advocacy Alliance (SARAA):
“This is a historic moment for South Australia, and I hope our community hears the message loud and clear that we don’t need to change to be loved.
“SARAA will keep working to ensure the government improves this law so it also captures single instances of conversion practices and allows families, friends and others in the community to report on the behalf of victims.
“But right now we’re standing with local survivors to celebrate the win, knowing that we finally have taken steps to protect future generations from untold trauma and pain thanks to years of relentless advocacy by dedicated survivors who shared their stories.”
Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown:
“This is a historic step in the journey for LGBTQA+ people in South Australia, which was the first state in the country to decriminalise homosexuality.
“Countless people will be saved from the psychological damage and trauma caused by these practices which deny the humanity of LGBTQA+ people and cause a lifetime of pain.
“We will continue advocating to ensure the scheme is strengthened and that people can report on the behalf of victims as part a broader overhaul of the Equal Opportunity Act.”
Media contact: Tara Ravens (0408 898 154) tara.ravens@equalityaustralia.org.au
