Once again I have been amazed and humbled by your response to our call for action on the ALP Conversion Therapy Bill presented in parliament this week. Over 2000 emails to MPs in the space of 24 hours. From the bottom of my heart – thank you.
What was the result? Regrettably, the Conversion Therapy Legislation passed. Queensland is now the first Australian State to ban so-called conversion therapy which is defined in the bill as failing to provide acceptance, or to assist a person, in particular a child, to express their ‘gender identity’.
However, due in large part to your advocacy, there were some significant amendments to the bill. In particular the bill now allows medical practitioners to explain the adverse effects of sex-hormonal drugs and the risks of having surgical procedures.
Despite the amendments, it is a very sad day for Queensland’s medical practitioners, parents, and most importantly, confused children. It is now a criminal act, with a penalty of 18 months jail, for any medical practitioner to refuse to assist a gender-dysphoric child to express their ‘gender identity’, or fail to affirm gender-dysphoric child’s desire to change their gender.
But take heart. Because your voice did make a significant difference. Consider this. Since you started campaigning against this legislation, the LNP chose to oppose this bill in its entirety. It would be great if you could take a few minutes to email the Opposition Leader, Deb Frecklington [email protected] , and the Deputy Opposition Leader, Tim Mander [email protected] , and thank them for standing up for parents and children’s rights.
As we approach the October 31 Queensland election, we are going to need your help. We need the parliamentarians to hear the message loud and clear that the priorities of Queenslanders are on what makes for strong families – not on pursuing a radical social agenda.