Commentary
There is ample anecdotal evidence that parents are afraid of the implementation of Victoria’s bill banning what is considered conversion therapy. Their fear stems from the fact that the legislation potentially penalises parents for directing and controlling their children’s behaviour.
In this context, a recent article notes that the law prohibits parents from acting in any way other than affirming a child’s preferred gender.
Specifically, parents cannot deny their child puberty blockers, hormone treatments or gender surgeries and are also barred from seeking “non-affirming counselling” anywhere in Australia.
The Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission, which enforces the legislation explains on its website that:…