In keeping with what we has occurred in many other states in Australia, the Greens in Tasmania are seeking to introduce an ‘anti-conversion’ bill and it should be of serious concern to everyone and especially to people of Christian faith. A copy of the draft bill can be found here.
The element of the Green’s Bill which is of most concern though, and is unique to the Tasmanian legislation, is to be found at the very end of the document.
Under the section titled ‘Consequential Amendments’ the Greens want to extend the definition of ‘child abuse’ to include ‘engaging in a conversation practice, within the meaning of the Conversion Practices Prohibition Act 2026, directed towards the child – but does not include an act that is lawful at the time at which it occurs.’ (pages 63-64, Section 2 (c))
Christians, in particular, have always believed that sexual activity should not only be limited to a man and a woman within the sacred covenant of marriage, but that faith in Jesus Christ brings forgiveness and the power to repent of behaviours and desires which are contrary to God’s Word. However, the legislation which the Greens are seeking to introduce is based upon what I believe is the false assumption that conversion practices are ‘deceptive and harmful to the persons subjected to them and to the community, and should be denounced and eliminated as far as possible’. (page 12, Section 8a)
What follows is a summary of the numerous problems in the bill which the Greens are proposing and will likely be fully support by Labor. The Liberals will more than likely allow their people to vote in line with their conscience which means it may have the numbers to be passed into law unless something is done to stop it.
First, a conversion practice is defined as ‘a practice or conduct directed towards a person, whether with or without the person’s consent’. (page 9, Section 5, 1) Note, even if someone willingly comes to you seeking help, it would be illegal to persuade or even assist them in anyway, such as with prayer and pastoral counselling, if it seeks to change their sexuality identity or gender orientation.
Second, a ‘conversion practice’ includes anything which seeks to induce, change, suppress, or eradicate the sexual orientation or gender identity of the person. (page 9, Section 5. 1 a, b) However, this definition is so vague as to include everything from homosexuality, transgenderism, adultery, pornography, or even the covetous desire for another person’s spouse.
Third, the bill proposes that one can pray or state a religious teaching as long as it doesn’t constitute being a ‘conversion practice’, namely, that it doesn’t seek to change the person’s desires, behaviour, or sexual identity. (page 10, Section 5:5c) One can pray or counsel someone as long as it doesn’t make any practical difference!
Four, the bill also proposes an ‘extra-territorial application’ if the ‘person engages in conduct outside, or partly outside, Tasmania and there is a real and substantial link between the conduct and Tasmania’. (page 11, Section 6:1a, b as well as page 14-15) This means the legislation will not simply involve people who live in Tasmania or engage in ‘conversion practices’ elsewhere.
Five, parents will not be able to pray with, seek to persuade, let alone instruct one’s children regarding their sexuality or gender identity as this is a ‘conversion practice’. Instead, they are only allowed to ‘discuss’ these matters theoretically as to what their own personal views on the subject are, as long as they don’t seek to make any practical difference or change. (page 11, Section 5, v)
Six, if one is found guilty of an offence, then this will be punishable under both the criminal and civil codes. (page 13) This will mean not only gaol time and/or financial penalties but will also include civil prosecution and its associated financial damages. And then there will be the enormous legal costs in defending oneself…
Seven, a child cannot be involved in a conversion therapy or taken outside the state for the purpose of conversion therapy which is also punishable under the criminal code. (page 14, 10.1. page 16, 12.1) What’s more, the draft bill states, ‘For the avoidance of doubt, it is not necessary to prove that the conversion practice caused injury to the child’. (page 16, Section 12.2) Significantly, there doesn’t have to be proof of any harm having occurred. Simply engage in the ‘conversion practice’ is itself an offence.
Eight, anyone can make a report ‘whether or not affected by a conversion practice’. (page 24, Section 24) One doesn’t have to be hurt by another person’s actions, but merely believe that someone else could possibly have been.
Nine, a person will be compelled to give evidence even if it is personally incriminating. (page 33, Section 40.1) This means no one will have the right to any longer remain silent as is currently practiced under common law. What’s more, accusations against a person can also remain anonymous. (page 34, Section 41.2)
Ten, the person’s employer (e.g. religious denomination) may also be implicated if they engage in said activities as part of their work unless reasonable safeguards have been put in place to prevent it. (page 42)
Christianity and Conversion
Christianity operates on the premise of the possibility of spiritual conversion e.g. Acts 9:1-31. While this is something which is not to be forcibly coerced – such as in political Islam – it is powerfully effected by the work of God’s Spirit creating in people new desires and behaviours (Ezek. 36:26-27; Jer. 31:33). Indeed, this goes to the very heart of Jesus’ final command to the church i.e. to make disciples of all nations by teaching people to obey all that He commanded (see Matt. 28:16-20).
The bill which the Tasmanian Greens are seeking to introduce will be disastrous for the basic democratic principles of freedom of speech as well as freedom of religion. The rights of parents in particular should be protected to raise their children in a way which is in keeping with their family values. But most of all, people should be free to accept or reject the preaching of the Gospel.
