Focus on Politics: conversion practises

RNZ's Focus on Politics dissected the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Bill, a bill aimed at banning conversion therapy in New Zealand, after its first reading in Parliament. The broadcast began with the firsthand account of Paul Stevens, who underwent conversion therapy after reaching out to church leaders as a youth. Stevens emphasized the harm and lasting mental health issues caused by conversion therapy, highlighting its ineffectiveness and the mental health repercussions for those who undergo it.

Justice Minister Kris Faafoi celebrated the introduction of the bill that would protect individuals from practices intended to change a person's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. The legislation proposes two new criminal offenses: the performance of conversion practices on a minor or someone with impaired decision-making capacity, punishable by up to three years in prison, and conversion practices causing serious harm to any individual, with up to five years imprisonment. The bill also provides for civil redress but reassures that private beliefs and supportive non-coercive conversations will not be outlawed.

Max Tweedie of Auckland Pride called for improvements to the bill, particularly questioning the 'serious harm' threshold for adults and the criteria for prosecution, expressing concern that the bill's current definitions could wrongly criminalize parents and religious leaders who are not engaging in coercive practices. An attempt was made to contact individuals who provide conversion therapies, but they declined to comment on the proposed ban, despite actively advertising their services.

Justice Minister Kris Faafoi faced criticism regarding the clarity of communication of the bill, reflecting a previous incident where they were reprimanded for not properly understanding their own hate speech legislation. Faafoi defended their handling, stressing the intention to prevent harm while respecting individual rights.

The National Party voiced concerns over the potential implications of the bill, particularly around parental conversations and the lack of exceptions for parents. Senior National MP Chris Penk highlighted uncertainties regarding the criminalization of parents' discussions with their children, emphasizing the need for clarity. Despite National's hesitancy, the majority government ensures that the bill will proceed.

The internal divide within the National Party surfaced as social issues continue to present a challenge to its consensus due to its liberal and conservative factions. While the Young Nationals, the party's youth wing, expressed disappointment at the caucus's failure to support the bill initially, they advocate for conversion therapy bans.

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.

Chris Penk David Seymour Heather du Plessis-Allan Judith Collins Katie Scotcher Kris Faafoi Max Tweedie Paul Stevens Simon Bridges

2020s, chris penk, conversion / reparative therapy, conversion practices, conversion practices prohibition legislation bill (2021), david riddell, david seymour, google.com, heather du plessis-allan, judith collins, katie scotcher, living wisdom school of counselling (stoke), max tweedie, new zealand young nationals, paul stevens, radio new zealand, simon bridges

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