After hours of debate in an overnight parliament sitting, gay conversion therapy has officially banned in NSW.
The bill passed through the upper house with 22 votes in favour and four against after a marathon parliament sitting.
Anyone who will try to suppress someone’s sexual or gender identity will be outlawed by the legislation.
“NSW is waking up as a safer place for LGBTQ people today,” independent Alex Greenwich – The state’s only openly gay male MP – said this morning.
Attorney General Michael Daley said the new law does not intend to ban the teachings of a religious leader or expression of a religious belief through sermon.
“Everyone deserves to be respected for who they are,” he added.
The legislation will take one year to take effect.
NSW become fourth state to do so after Victoria, Queensland and ACT, South Australia and Tasmania are also considering their legislation reformation.