Tasmanian Liberals to have conscience vote on banning conversion practices

Tasmanian Liberal MPs will be allowed a conscience vote on a Greens' bill to ban conversion practices in the state, Police Minister Felix Ellis says.

The bill, which would ban attempts to suppress or convert a person's gender or sexual identity, is expected to be debated in the state parliament this year.

Mr Ellis posted on social media this morning that the Liberals "will have a conscience vote" on the Greens' bill.

"And I'll be voting no," he said.

Mr Ellis said "young people distressed about their body deserve our love and care".

"That care means honest, individual, evidence-based medical care from professionals who are free to use their best judgement and parents able to provide loving guidance.

"This bill denies that."

He said a doctor, psychologist, counsellor or parent "could face the law for taking a careful, cautious approach with a distressed young person rather than pushing straight for a medical gender transition".

Backbench Liberal MP Michael Ferguson also published a statement on Friday morning saying he would vote against the bill.

He said he had "serious concerns" the bill would "control what Tasmanians can and can't say about sex, gender and transgender issues".

Attorney-General Guy Barnett has also previously raised concerns about the bill.

Doctors, parents, prayer excepted

The Greens' bill includes a number of exceptions, including for medical professionals, parents, public debate and expressions through prayer.

Tasmanian Greens deputy leader Vica Bayley said Mr Ellis's statements were "misleading".

"The Greens' bill seeks to end conversion practices. These harmful and sometimes deadly practices are still occurring in Tasmania, and vulnerable people deserve protection," he said.

"Our proposal to end conversion practices isn't radical. It is directly in line with what other states have legislated.

"The conversion practices this bill aims to stop are acts that intentionally try to change, suppress or eradicate the sexual identity or gender of a person.

"This doesn't stop ordinary prayer, medical care, counselling or parenting.

"Our bill explicitly protects doctors providing health care in good faith and in accordance with professional standards."

According to the bill, a conversion practice does not include:

• A health service provided by a health practitioner, which the practitioner, in good faith, considers appropriate for the person and which complies with all relevant legal, professional and ethical requirements
• Participating in public debate
• An expression, including through prayer, of a belief or principle, including a religious belief or principle
• Parents discussing matters relating to sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual activity or religion with their children

The bill also lists other exceptions.

Conversion practices causing 'severe harm' in Tasmania, law institute says

The Tasmanian Law Reform Institute found in 2022 that "severe harm" had been caused by conversion practices.

It found the practices were still happening in Tasmania, and recommended the state follow the lead of most other Australian states by outlawing them.

The state government had earlier committed to banning the practices. It developed at 2023 bill that was criticised for having "too many loopholes" and was not followed up.

The Greens released their draft bill in June, saying it would make a "profound difference".

Premier Jeremy Rockliff has been contacted for comment.

Mr Rockliff previously said if one of his MPs asked for a conscience vote, it would be granted.

Mr Rockliff, who supports banning conversion practices, has not said how he would vote on the Greens' bill.

"There are some concerns with the draft bill and we are yet to see a final version," Mr Rockliff said in August.

"I have always supported a ban on conversion therapy, but the legislation needs to be balanced to achieve that outcome."

Labor and several other crossbenchers have indicated support for the Greens' bill, meaning government support may not be needed for it to pass.

Attempts to ban conversion practices nationwide and in Tasmania have also been opposed by the Australian Christian Lobby.