Protect Children. Reject the Greens' "Conversion Practices" Bill

The petition of the undersigned residents of Tasmania draws to the attention of the House that:

Biological sex matters to most Tasmanians, including for women's rights, human rights and safeguarding children. Gender identity ideology is strongly contested and should not be imposed through legislation or criminal penalties.

Children deserve protection. Young people distressed about their sex or body deserve compassionate, evidence-based care, including watchful waiting and exploratory counselling, without clinicians fearing legal sanction or pressure towards potentially lifelong medical interventions. Informed consent requires reliable evidence and disclosure of long-term risks. Tasmanians should remain free to seek support consistent with their convictions.

Parents and families must be free to guide children and young people and discuss sex, identity and belief without intrusive investigations or legal sanction. Conscience and expression must protect respectful beliefs, prayer, pastoral care and counselling for health professionals, educators, people of faith, employers and employees.

Abuse and coercion are wrong; many such practices are already unlawful. The Greens' 88-page Bill is complex. Its broad definition, positive duty, employer liability for staff/volunteers, child-abuse reporting, investigation powers and retrospective civil claims create serious legal risks. Parliamentary scrutiny requires a public inquiry into evidence, medical safeguards, fundamental freedoms and unintended consequences.

Your petitioners therefore request the House to reject the Greens' Conversion Practices Prohibition Bill 2026, require any future proposal to undergo a public inquiry, and support only laws specifically preventing harmful abuse and coercion while respecting biological sex, protecting children and families, preserving freedom of conscience and upholding informed consent.