Therapies attempting to turn gay people straight do not work, stigmatise gay men and lesbians and are fundamentally damaging to mental health

“Reparative therapy has been condemned by Australian, New Zealand and US psychological organisations, yet at least 10 organisations still practice it in Australia,” Mr Greenwich said.
 
“Embedded in its theory is the notion that homosexuality is somehow a disorder that can be “fixed” and an immorality that must be healed,” Mr Greenwich said.
 
“Many who have experienced reparative therapy develop psychological conditions including obsessive addictive behaviours, depression and suicidal ideation.”
 
“Today the NSW Parliament delivered a strong statement that there is nothing wrong or abnormal about being gay. I hope this message gets to vulnerable and isolated LGBTI youth in rural and regional NSW”
 
 “Homosexuality is neither a disorder nor immoral and most Australians find reparative therapy offensive. I welcome the agreement of the NSW Parliament on this” Mr Greenwich said.
 
“I believe that we should move to protect vulnerable people coming to terms with their sexuality, promote support and acceptance within faith communities and schools and outlaw this futile and damaging practice,” Mr Greenwich concluded.
 
Those speaking on the motion included Liberal MP for Coogee Bruce Notley-Smith, Labor MP for Macquarie Fields Dr Andrew Macdonald, Greens MP for Balmain Jamie Parker, and Independent MP for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper.
 
All members who spoke highlighted the dangers of ex-gay reparative therapy and the damage it causes vulnerable gay and lesbian people.
 
Mr Greenwich will now refer the Hansard of the debate to the Health Care Complaint Committee inquiry into the promotion of false or misleading health related information or practices.