New Victorian law sends a clear message: LGBTIQ+ people are not broken and do not need to be fixed

17 February 2022

Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner Ro Allen said today was a momentous date for Victoria, with the Act representing an important step towards preventing and responding to harm still being inflicted on LGBTIQ+ Victorians.

“From today, Victorian law makes clear that a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity is not broken and does not need to be fixed. This directly counters the harmful messages that sit at the core of change and suppression practices,” said Commissioner Allen.

“Many Victorians have been involved in bringing about this law – from survivors to advocates and allies, and we can’t thank them enough. I would particularly like to acknowledge survivors who shared their stories and experiences which so importantly illustrated the need for this law. Without your involvement this new Act would not have been possible.”

Change and suppression practices are harmful and ineffective

Any conduct that seeks to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity is a change or suppression practice – even if that person asks for help. This include teachings, counselling, spiritual care activities or other psychological or medical interventions that are based on the idea that there is something wrong or broken about people with diverse sexualities or gender identities.

Australian and international research has repeatedly shown that efforts to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity are both ineffective and harmful. Survivors speak of deep grief and profound loss because of their experiences, which often have long-term impacts on their lives and relationships.

Affirming LGBTIQ+ Victorians in faith communities

Reverend Dr Margaret Mayman, Minister at St Michael’s Uniting Church, encourages all congregations to affirm and value their LGBTIQ+ members.

“Inclusive congregations like St Michael’s value LGBTIQ+ people, support their relationships, and celebrate their true, authentic selves.”

“I hope that religious bodies that are challenged by the legislation will also come to love their LGBTIQ+ members just as they are created to be.”

How the Commission can respond to practices

“This new law is not just symbolic. It introduces both criminal penalties and a non-criminal response scheme for dealing with change or suppression practices,” said Commissioner Allen.

“The Act empowers us at the Commission to receive and respond to reports about change and suppression practices from any member of the community. We can also conduct investigations into serious or systemic practices that put many people at serious risk.”

Reported and investigated people or organisations could be required to undertake education or other actions to comply with the Act.

Victoria Police will manage criminal investigations and criminal charges.

Protecting Victorians with intersex variations

People with intersex variations are also better protected from discrimination, with sex characteristics added as a protected attribute in the Equal Opportunity Act (2010) in late 2021. A person with an intersex variation is born with atypical natural variations to sex characteristics such as variations in chromosomes, hormones, or anatomy. Intersex traits are a natural part of human bodily diversity.

 

We recognise reading about these practices may cause distress.

Rainbow Door can help with their free specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline providing information, support, and referral to all LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their family, and friends.

 

For interview requests or further information

Aram Hosie, Head of Strategic Communications
Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission 
Mobile: 0447 526 642 | Email: aram.hosie@veohrc.vic.gov.au