Gay conversion therapy ban ‘could outlaw legitimate treatment’, doctors say
Those convicted under the proposed laws could be jailed for up to 10 years
Legislation to make gay conversion therapy a crime is poorly drafted and risks outlawing legitimate treatment, psychiatrists are warning.
The Victorian Parliament is currently debating laws to criminalise interventions in the healthcare and religious settings which aim to change an LGBTIQ person’s sexuality or gender identity, with or without their consent.
Those convicted would face fines of up to $200,000 and a maximum of 10 years in prison.
But the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists says it is concerned about sections of the bill referring to “psychiatry or psychotherapy consultation, treatment or therapy”.
