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# Australian Capital Territory bans conversion therapy
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/australian-capital-territory-bans-conversion-therapy/
- Published: 2020-08-30T11:31:57.000Z
- Updated: 2020-08-29T10:32:28.000Z
- Description: The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has become the second region in Australia to ban LGBTQ+ conversion therapy.
- Author: Rachel Badham
- Tags: News, Politics, Queer Corner, Australia, conversion therapy, LGBTQ, LGBTQ Mental Health

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/canberra-australia--1024x500-1.jpg)

Canberra, located in Australian Capital Territory which has now banned conversion therapy.

The **Australian Capital Territory** (ACT) has become the second region in **Australia** to ban LGBTQ+ conversion therapy. Anyone found using the controversial form of therapy will be fined $24,000 or sentenced to a one year of imprisonment. **Queensland** became the first Australian state to outlaw **conversion therapy on August 20.**

The new legislation defines conversion therapy as a practise which aims to ‘change a person’s sexuality or gender identity’. Practises have ranged from talking therapy to extreme methods such as electroshocks or ‘corrective’ rape. It has been [widely discredited](https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/about-ukcp/public-policy/conversion-therapy/?ref=scenemag.co.uk) and [known](https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2020/08/22/conversion-therapy-survivors-are-turning-to-tiktok-to-share-their-trauma-and-help-other-victims/?ref=scenemag.co.uk) to cause trauma and depression in those who are subjected to it.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ban-conversion-therapy-1.jpg)

**Gordon Ramsay**, attorney general of ACT recalled various stories of people’s experiences with conversion therapy during the assembly where the bill was passed. He was [seen](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8672751/ACT-Attorney-General-Gordon-Ramsay-state-bans-gay-conversion-therapy.html?ref=scenemag.co.uk) to be tearful during the readings and said ‘these are not my stories to tell but they are painful and traumatic’.

Australia has made steps towards LGBTQ+ equality in the last few years same sex marriage being legalised in 2017. **Sydney** is also considered to be one of the most ‘gay-friendly’ cities in the world. The ban of conversion therapy in ACT and Queensland marks another shift in Australia’s attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/sydney-opera-house-lit-up-rainbow-1.jpg)