Announcement of the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill (2021)

The abstract summarizes an announcement event conducted at OUTLine NZ in Auckland, where the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill was introduced. The event featured speeches by Rainbow Labour Caucus chair and MP Shanan Halbert and Minister of Justice Kris Faafoi, both emphasizing the bill's significance and the need for its swift passage through Parliament.

The event commenced with Shanan Halbert extending greetings from Rainbow Caucus members and expressing pride in the work leading to the bill's introduction. The speaker noted the high representation of rainbow MPs in the current Parliament and the support for rainbow New Zealanders from families and communities at large. Halbert then introduced Kris Faafoi, who acknowledged the contributions of MP Maya Lubeck and the hosting organization, OUTLine NZ.

Kris Faafoi proceeded with the official announcement, stating that the government has introduced legislation aimed at protecting individuals from practices seeking to convert sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression—known as conversion practices. Faafoi stressed that such practices have no scientific basis, and they have been widely discredited due to the serious mental and emotional damage they cause. Input from survivors of conversion practices, community representatives, faith groups, and health bodies highlighted the diverse range of voices and experiences integral to developing the bill.

Addressing the potential harms of conversion practices, Faafoi detailed various consequences, including depression, anxiety, isolation, substance abuse, and suicidal risks, with some survivors showing symptoms akin to post-traumatic stress disorder. The minister underscored that while personal beliefs or discussions around sexuality and gender identity were not outlawed, attempts to actively change or suppress one's identity would not be tolerated. The bill introduces new criminal offences primarily aimed at serious cases involving minors or individuals with impaired decision-making capacity, as well as cases demonstrating serious harm from conversion practices.

Additionally, the bill proposes civil redress options through the Human Rights Commission's complaint system, allowing for remedies focused on harm prevention and education. Criminal provisions would require proof of harm or serious harm, with Attorney General consent needed for court proceedings, setting a high threshold for criminalization.

Exploring international context, Faafoi mentioned other nations like Germany, the US, and some Australian states that have already taken similar measures against conversion practices. The bill aims to help New Zealand's rainbow communities enjoy rights and freedoms, free from discrimination. It is set for its first reading in early August, with the goal of passing legislation by the following year.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Kris Faafoi Shanan Halbert

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