I was shocked to find that the broad definition of 'change or suppression practices' can significantly restrict religious freedom. Under Section 5 (3), this Bill criminalises common religious practices such as prayer and even informal conversations that express orthodox religious beliefs relating to sexual orientation or gender identity. This will take away the freedom of parents, teachers and religious leaders to teach biblical beliefs and traditional culture. Victoria is said to be the most multicultural state in Australia. Many faith and multicultural communities still hold dearly to their values which affirm a male and female binary view of gender. Under this Bill, religious and cultural views will make many people vulnerable to criminal prosecution and police investigation. They need to be protected. Therefore, I urge you to oppose this Bill.

I’m writing to express my grave concern about the Conversion Bill that will see gender questioning children coerced into transitioning, causing irreversible mental and physical injuries. Under Section 5 (2) of the Bill, the disproportionate protection of gender transition treatments fails to protect children from being exposed to the dangerous effects of hormone therapy, puberty blockers or worse, at a time when they are incapable of giving informed consent. Given the high stakes potential involvement of puberty blockers, hormone therapy and gender reassignment therapy, alternative opinions need to be allowed to ensure irreversible damage is not done to children. This bill makes sure such opinions cannot be heard, and wrongly assumes transition is the right approach for every child uncertain about their gender identity. Many medical professionals have been warning against these treatments and studies show that most children will grow out of gender confusion if the “wait and see” approach is used. Please do not subject our children to a medical or social experiment. Reject the Bill in its entirety so that children can receive all the care and support they need.

I am greatly concerned that the Conversion Bill will hamper faith-based schools in delivering an education in accordance with the tenets of their religion. In practical terms, schools will not be able to teach their religious values for fear of criminal prosecution against the teachers and schools. If a student were to claim that the religious teachings were intended to change his/her gender identity, a police prosecution could result. This would throw the school into chaos and potentially extinguish the values upon which the school was founded. Please vote against this Bill which has widespread consequences outside its intended scope.

I am greatly concerned that the Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Bill denies some in the LGBTQ community the help and support they want. LGBTQ people who want to embrace their faith and live according to the standards of their faith should be permitted to do so. The Bill guarantees they cannot seek voluntary pastoral support, pretending these Australians do not exist. I have news for the Andrews government – they do exist, in significant numbers. When people want help, they deserve help. The LGBTQ community deserves freedom to explore other options for their own lives. This Bill will take away their opportunity and freedom. Therefore, I’m urging you to reject the Bill.