Tasmanian Liberals to have conscience vote on banning conversion practices - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Felix Ellis says he'll be voting against the Greens' bill to ban conversion practices. (ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke)

Tasmanian Liberal MPs will be allowed a conscience vote on a Greens bill to ban conversion practices, which are attempts to suppress or convert a person's gender or sexual identity.

Liberal minister Felix Ellis says he'll be "voting no", but the Greens say the reasons he's given for not supporting the bill are "misleading".

The bill is expected to be debated in parliament this year.

Tasmanian Liberal MPs will be allowed a conscience vote on a Greens' bill to ban conversion practices in the state, following a decision of the Parliamentary Liberal Party last night, Premier Jeremy Rockliff says.

The bill, which would ban attempts to suppress or convert a person's gender or sexual identity, is expected to be debated in the state parliament this year.

"Liberal Party members are always able to express their own views. That is one of the many strengths of our party," Mr Rockliff said.

"A free vote on this issue was agreed to at last night's meeting of the PLP."

Mr Rockliff, who supports the "general principle" of banning conversion practices, previously said if one of his MPs asked for a conscience vote, it would be granted.

Police Minister Felix Ellis posted on social media this morning that he would be voting "no".

"Young people distressed about their body deserve our love and care," he said.

"That care means honest, individual, evidence-based medical care from professionals who are free to use their best judgement and parents able to provide loving guidance.

He said a doctor, psychologist, counsellor or parent "could face the law for taking a careful, cautious approach with a distressed young person rather than pushing straight for a medical gender transition".

Backbench Liberal MP Michael Ferguson also published a statement on Friday morning saying he would vote against the bill.

He said he had "serious concerns" the bill would "control what Tasmanians can and can't say about sex, gender and transgender issues".

"They [the Greens] have made the definition of 'conversion practices' so broad that it intrudes on basic freedoms Tasmanians take for granted," Mr Ferguson said.

Attorney-General Guy Barnett has also previously raised concerns about the bill.

The Greens' bill includes a number of exceptions, including for medical professionals, parents, public debate and expressions through prayer.

Tasmanian Greens deputy leader Vica Bayley said Mr Ellis's statements were "misleading".

"The Greens' bill seeks to end conversion practices. These harmful and sometimes deadly practices are still occurring in Tasmania, and vulnerable people deserve protection," he said.

"Our proposal to end conversion practices isn't radical. It is directly in line with what other states have legislated.

"The conversion practices this bill aims to stop are acts that intentionally try to change, suppress or eradicate the sexual identity or gender of a person.

"This doesn't stop ordinary prayer, medical care, counselling or parenting.

"Our bill explicitly protects doctors providing health care in good faith and in accordance with professional standards."

Vica Bayley says statements Felix Ellis has made about the Greens' bill are "misleading". (ABC News: Ebony ten Broeke)

The bill also lists other exceptions.

The Tasmanian Law Reform Institute found in 2022 that "severe harm" had been caused by conversion practices.

It found the practices were still happening in Tasmania, and recommended the state follow the lead of most other Australian states by outlawing them.

The state government had earlier committed to banning the practices. It developed at 2023 bill that was criticised for having "too many loopholes" and was not followed up.

The bill is expected to be debated in the state parliament this year. (ABC News: Kate Nickels)

The Greens released their draft bill in June, saying it would make a "profound difference".

In a statement to the ABC today, Mr Rockliff said he still agreed with the banning of conversion practices "as a general principle".

"However, there are legitimate concerns the Greens bill goes too far.

"The number one objective is to stamp out harmful conversion practices, but what we need to do is ensure freedom of religion and freedom of speech is not impinged."

Primary Industries Minister Gavin Pearce, who was with Mr Rockliff, told reporters he could not support the bill.

"Like the premier, I'll approach this with a great deal of respect and listen to that, but … as the bill currently stands, I won't be supporting that bill," Mr Pearce said.

"Where I come from, in my region [in north-west Tasmania] families come first and it's with that view that I can't support it."

Greens Leader Rosalie Woodruff with the bill that her party says is in line with what most other states have legislated. (ABC News: Kate Nickels)

Labor and several other crossbenchers have indicated support for the Greens' bill, meaning government support may not be needed for it to pass.

Attempts to ban conversion practices nationwide and in Tasmania have also been opposed by the Australian Christian Lobby.