Conversion Practices Ban Act 2024

The Conversion Practices Ban Act 2024 is an act of the Parliament of New South Wales prohibiting conversion therapy.

Conversion Practices Ban Act 2024
Parliament of New South Wales
Long title An Act to ban practices directed to changing or suppressing the sexual orientation or gender identity of individuals, including by creating offences and a civil complaints scheme in relation to the practices; and for related purposes.
Citation	2024 No. 19
Considered by	New South Wales Legislative Assembly
Passed	27 August 2020
Considered by	New South Wales Legislative Council
Assented to	4 February 2021
Legislative history
First chamber: New South Wales Legislative Assembly
Introduced by	Michael Daley MLA, Attorney-General
First reading	13 March 2024
Second reading	20 March 2024
Third reading	20 March 2024
Second chamber: New South Wales Legislative Council
Member(s) in charge	Penny Sharpe MLC
First reading	21 Mar 2024
Second reading	21 Mar 2024
Third reading	22 March 2024
Status: Current legislation

Background

The Labor Party had pledged to ban conversion therapy in the 2023 state election.^[1]

Provisions

Offences under the act can lead to a sentence of up to five years or a fine of up to A$100,000.^[2]

The legislation allows Anti-Discrimination NSW to investigate civil complaints relating to conversion therapy.^[3]

The legislation contains exemptions, allowing a religious sermon to preach against homosexuality or prayer with someone experiencing same-sex attraction.^[4]

Reception

The legislation was supported by Equality Australia.^[5]