Change or suppression practices

Information about the Victorian Government’s ban on change and suppression practices (also known as conversion practices). Change and suppression practices (also known as conversion practices) are any practices directed at an individual that attempt to change or suppress their sexual orientation or gender identity.

These practices have no basis in medicine. There is no evidence that sexual orientation or gender identity can be changed. Not only are these practices ineffective, but they are also deeply harmful and can cause long-term mental health issues and, in the most tragic of cases, suicide.

These practices are now banned in Victoria.

Legislative reform

The Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Act 2021 began on 17 February 2022. It bans practices that seek to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

It aims to make sure Victorians are able to live their lives authentically with pride, and make it clear an individual’s sexual orientation and gender identity are not ‘broken’ and do not need to be ‘fixed.’

For more information, see the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission website.

Resources

The Victorian Government has developed a fact sheet, in partnership with survivor groups and faith leaders, to inform the Victorian community about the impact and dangers of change and suppression practices. Find the LGBTQ+ Change and Suppression Practices Fact Sheet.

Support

If this page is upsetting or worrying, you can get help and support by contacting these organisations.

Thorne Harbour Health

Victoria’s largest LGBTIQ health organisation serving the health needs of LGBTIQ communities to ensure all gender, sex, and sexually diverse individuals are treated with dignity and can participate fully in society.

Phone: 1800 134 840

Email: enquiries@thorneharbour.org

Queerspace

LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing support service.

Phone: 03 9663 6733

Email: enquiries@ds.org.au

Rainbow Door

Free specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline providing information, support and referral to all LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their family and friends during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond.

Phone: 1800 729 367 or 0480 017 246 (SMS support)