After hearing heartbreaking testimony of abuse from previous patients of the Esther Foundation women’s recovery center, Western Australia will criminalize homosexual conversion therapy.
A parliamentary committee heard evidence that patients at the Perth institution were subjected to physical and sexual abuse, given illegal drugs, and confined for “exorcism or release of demons and faith healing.”
According to a report from the investigation, LGBTQI people were informed their sexuality was “caused by demons that needed to be cleansed via prayer,” according to a statement made in state parliament on Thursday.
Women who had mutual interests were set against one another as victims and predators.
The center, which had connections to Pentecostal churches when it first opened in the early 2000s, went into administration in April as a result of complaints brought by past occupants.
The government will follow a committee’s proposal to criminalize conversion techniques, Premier Mark McGowan said on Thursday.
Accredited healthcare providers who are subject to professional body regulation and who provide “lawful and ethical care,” even to patients seeking to express their gender via medical interventions, will be exempt from the prohibition.
In a statement, Mr. McGowan stated, “This administration has a great track record of supporting LGBTIQA+ persons in WA and is opposed to efforts to forcefully alter a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.”
The essential concept of human dignity is undermined by conversion and suppression practices, which also have long-term detrimental effects on the physical and emotional wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ members of our community.
Advocates for equality in WA have previously sought for legislation that would target educational and religious institutions.
Conversion therapy, according to Attorney-General John Quigley, continues to be an issue in certain Australian Christian organizations.
One former resident of the Esther Foundation told the investigation that she would make an effort to conduct morally because she yearned for acceptance and affection.
Another turned to suicide behavior after the conversion strategies failed because she felt she deserved to burn in hell.
Evidence of the suppression of Aboriginal people’ cultural identity was also presented to the investigation.
When encouraged to perform Aboriginal dances in church to “shake off ancient spirits,” one resident said she felt embarrassed.
The committee suggested that a licensing system for providers be taken into consideration along with the implementation of a regulatory procedure for drug and alcohol treatment services.
Additionally, it recommended for the regulation of mental health services that rely on accommodations as well as improved complaint processing.
The board of the Esther Foundation issued an apology to any residents who had been mistreated earlier this year.
The WA Department of Communities reports that between 2005 and 2020, at least 15 young women who had been in state custody lived at the Esther Foundation.
One self-referred, five were legally put there, and the identity of the person who first made contact with the other nine was unknown, according to the department.
In 2010, the state government also paid $3.9 million for a home in Kalamunda, giving it on a peppercorn lease to the foundation.
»Western Australia will criminalize homosexual conversion therapy«