Introduction Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission has received requests from religious communities for support and information on the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Act 2022, which makes conversion practices unlawful in Aotearoa New Zealand. Some want to understand the new legal requirements. Others want to make their communities affirming spaces where conversion practices would be unthinkable. Research published in Aotearoa in 2023 found young people experiencing conversion practices: In this document we use the term religious community to refer to a group of people who share the same religious faith – whether this is an organised religion or an informal faith group. Accepting and affirming Using terms preferred by the LGBTQIA+ community shows respect, fosters inclusivity, breaks down stereotypes, and builds trust which will lead to a more supportive environment for everyone. We use the term ‘accepting’ to mean religious communities where LGBTQIA+ people are welcome as themselves with no pressure to hide or change their identity. Beyond accepting, some religious communities identify as ‘affirming and inclusive’, which means actively integrating LGBTQIA+ people into all parts of their community, including leadership. There are a range of practices and behaviours (policy and non-policy) that can support LGBTQIA+ people to be and feel safe in religious spaces. More terms are included in the Glossary section of the document. What are conversion practices? Conversion practices are actions taken towards an individual with the intention of changing or suppressing their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. They are sometimes referred to as ‘conversion therapy’. These practices are typically directed at members of the LGBTQIA+, takatāpui Māori and MVPFAFF+ Pasifika communities. They reflect a belief system, known as conversion ideology, which asserts that being part of these communities is wrong and can be changed.i Harmed caused by conversion practices Even though conversion practices occasionally appear to provide short term results they inevitably fail and cause significant harm. Evidence, internationally and in Aotearoa, shows survivors of conversion practices experience mental distress, withdrawal and isolation, negative career impacts, physical health symptoms, and suicidal thoughts, plans and attempts.ii 22 • had increased frequency of non-suicidal self-injury • had double the risk of planning suicide • had triple the risk of attempting suicide.iii The level of harm increases significantly if the suggestion to take part in conversion practices comes from a religious leader or family member.iv Transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse people in Aotearoa have higher exposure to conversion practices. People who have experienced conversion practices have often faced, and will continue to face, abusive relationships within their community, PTSD, major traumatic incidents and a harmful accumulation of smaller traumas.v Conversion practices have been declared harmful in Aotearoa and internationally by: • New Zealand Psychological Societyvi • the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP)vii • the NZ College of Clinical Psychologistsviii • the New Zealand Association of Counsellorsix and other clinical peak bodies. Further, leaders of Exodus International, once the largest ‘ex-gay’ group formed in 1976 have publicly acknowledged the harm their work caused, and apologisedx, as have many of their former leaders and member organisations. After admitting their programmes did not change people they dissolved in 2013. Survivors of conversion practices want faith leaders to know that while it may appear possible for some individuals to temporarily suppress a part of who they are, it cannot be sustained and is always harmful in the end. This is why it is important to engage with the evidence and not rely on anecdotal reports of people claiming to having successfully ‘changed’. Conversion Practices Guidance for people working in religious communities