Understanding the Change or Suppression Practices Prohibition Act

UNDERSTANDING THE CHANGE OR SUPPRESSION PRACTICES PROHIBITION ACT 

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (VEOHRC) is presenting a seminar specifically for Baptists on the Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Act 2021.
The seminar will be delivered by leading advocate and trainer, Jac Tomlins, on behalf of the Commission, accompanied by some senior VEOHRC staff.
The seminar will be a safe place for participants to ask appropriate questions, to engage in open listening, and to share a range of views and experiences.
There will be an opportunity for conversation, small group discussions, and questions and answers. The seminar is for anyone who works in a professional or pastoral capacity with people from LGBTQA communities and their families who may have been affected by change or suppression practices, including faith leaders, counsellors, mental health and pastoral care practitioners, volunteer leaders and administrative staff.

The VEOHRC has developed a Providing Safety for LGBTQA People of Faith guide with and for faith leaders in Baptist Union of Victoria (BUV) churches. This booklet has been developed to help pastors, small group leaders, youth leaders, volunteer helpers and other Baptists to better understand the Victorian law, the Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Act (2021).
CLICK HERE to download the guide and access other useful resources.

The seminar aims to provide: 

1. An understanding of change or suppression ideology and practices. 
2. An understanding of the evidence-base for the harm experienced by survivors. 
3. An understanding of what best-practice pastoral care looks like. 
4. Ideas, tools and strategies to support LGBTQA people within their faith tradition. 

Details:

Date: Thursday 13 March, 2025
Time: 9am-1pm
Where: BUV Support Hub, 1193 Toorak Road Camberwell
Cost: $20
Morning Tea will be provided

To facilitate discussion, attendance at each seminar will be capped at 35 and the sessions will not be recorded. 

This is a recognised BUV Professional Standards Workshop and counts towards your annual requirement for BUV Pastoral Accreditation. Please note that while the seminar is being hosted at the BUV Support Hub, it is a VEOHRC training programme and the content does not represent the BUV’s policies or views. Places are limited and bookings are essential. Some pre-reading will be provided to registrants prior to the event.
For further information contact churchhealth@buv.com.au