Conversion Therapy To Be Criminalised In Western Australia Following Shocking Report
A report has been submitted to the Western Australian parliament detailing alleged abuses and mistreatments experienced by former residents of the Esther Foundation’s rehabilitation centre called Esther House, reports 9 News.
Claims of “harrowing” conversion therapy practices have led the Premier, Mark McGowan to vow to criminalise such actions with bills being introduced early next year.
FORMER RESIDENTS DETAIL ABUSE
According to the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission, the Esther Foundation is a faith-based rehabilitation centre that specialises in supporting young women facing substance abuse, sexual and emotional abuse, domestic abuse, domestic violence, mental health, pregnancy and self-harm.
Residents at the foundation’s Esther House reportedly experienced practices including being held down, exorcised and physically assaulted. According to 9 News, former resident Lucy Lorenti recalls one practitioner holding her down and speaking tongues at her. “She’d also push your head down so you would fall, supposedly overtaken by some spirit,” says Lorenti.
A parliamentary inquiry also uncovered conversion therapy practices were being utilised by Esther House employees. Premier McGowan’s government has sworn to take action against this practice by criminalising conversion therapy. Attorney-General John Quigley has claimed the laws should be introduced by next year.
