New Zealand Govt Seeks Ban On Conversion Practices For LGBTQI Community: What It Means

New Zealand has introduced legislation to ban conversion practices, saying the practice is harmful and has ¡°no place in modern New Zealand¡±. Conversion therapy refers to the practice, often by religious groups, of trying to ¡°cure¡± people of their sexuality, gender expression, or LGBTQI identity.

Sentence of up to 5 years in jail

The legislation makes it an offence to perform conversion practices on anyone aged under 18, or with impaired decision-making capacity, with a sentence of up to three years¡¯ imprisonment. It also makes it an offence to perform conversion practices that cause ¡°serious harm,¡± irrespective of age. That carries a sentence of up to five years¡¯ imprisonment.

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The legislation stands for practices intended to change a person's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, known as LGBT conversion therapy.

¡°Those who have experienced conversion practices talk about ongoing mental health distress, depression, shame and stigma, and even suicidal thoughts,¡± the minister of justice, Kris Faafoi, said as he introduced the legislation on Friday.

"Have no place in modern NZ"

¡°Conversion practices have no place in modern New Zealand. They are based on the false belief that any person¡¯s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression is broken and in need of fixing," he added.

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"Health professionals, religious leaders and human rights advocates here and overseas have spoken out against these practices as harmful and having the potential to perpetuate prejudice, discrimination and abuse towards members of rainbow communities," he added.

Laws against conversion therapy have been gaining momentum around the world, including in countries such as Canada, Britain and Australia.

US does not have a ban

The United States does not have a federal ban on conversion therapy, but several U.S. states, including California, Colorado, New York, Washington and Utah, prohibit the practice to some degree.

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The American Medical Association has condemned the practice as "harmful and ineffective". Aimed at changing a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, conversion therapy can include talk therapy, hypnosis, electric shocks and fasting.

In extreme cases, exorcism and "corrective rape" for lesbians, have been documented. Ending conversion therapy was one New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's campaign promises when she was elected for a second term last year.