The Western Australian government has announced that they will not be able to present the promised legislation to outlaw gay conversion therapy before the upcoming state election in March. The delay is attributed to time constraints as there are not enough sitting days left for the parliament to introduce the reforms. The practice of conversion therapy, which attempts to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity, remains legal in Western Australia, Tasmania, and South Australia.
Attorney General John Quigley's office has acknowledged the inability to have the legislation in place before the election, emphasizing the need to engage with individuals who have experienced conversion therapy to help shape the future laws. The proposed reforms aim to criminalize conversion therapy and establish a mechanism to address incidents that may not reach the criminal threshold or where survivors prefer a civil response. While some community members are frustrated by the delay, committee member Chris Bedding stressed the importance of ensuring that the legislation is well-informed and comprehensive.
Chris Bedding, an Anglican priest and member of the Ending Conversion Practices WA committee, highlighted the necessity of considering the voices of survivors in shaping policy decisions concerning conversion therapy. Advocates like Albany Pride spokesperson Tiger Bird expressed disappointment in the delay but emphasized the significance of legislation guided by the experiences of survivors without religious exemptions. However, the WA director of the Australian Christian Lobby, Peter Abetz, expressed his belief that coercive conversion therapy practices are not occurring and questioned the necessity of legislation in this regard, arguing that differing viewpoints should not be equated with exposure to conversion therapy.