Examples of conversion practices Conversion practices include but are not limited to: It is also not a conversion practice to: • using shame, coercion or other tactics to give someone an aversion to same-sex attractions or to encourage gender-conforming behaviour • assist someone who is undergoing, or considering undergoing, a gender transition • assist someone to express their gender or identity • encouraging someone to believe their sexuality or gender is defective or disordered • provide acceptance, support or understanding to an individual. • performing a ritual, such as an exorcism or prayerbased practice to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.xi Often conversion practices are difficult to recognise because they are disguised as non-threatening, for example as a group study, mentoring and counselling or as camps and courses. They can be formal and informal, and include practices directed by others or self-imposed.xii What conversion practices are not It is not a conversion practice to do any of the following providing there is no intention to change or suppress an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression: • a religious leader preaching to or praying for their congregation • a religious leader praying for or providing pastoral care for an individual • a parent or guardian respectfully discussing sexuality or gender with their child – including offering advice and guidance or expressing a belief or religious principle • 33 a medical practitioner delaying hormone treatment to allow for the development of a plan for gender affirming healthcare, or for activities, such as counselling. Practitioners need to act within legal, professional and ethical standards and exercise reasonable professional judgement. Conversion practices in religious communities Religious communities are the most common setting for conversion practices in Aotearoa. The practices can take different forms including study groups, counselling, having an accountability partner, prayer, mentoring, working through books or online content, or informal conversations. In some communities, conversion practices are in programmes that use words like healing ministry, recovery, brokenness, reparative therapy, purity or spiritual accountability. If done with the intention of changing or suppressing someone’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, then telling them to participate in spiritual activities to stop them from being ‘different’ can amount to a conversion practice. It may also be considered a conversion practice when an LGBTQIA+ person’s whānau or family tries to change or suppress these aspects of their identity. Beyond religious settings, conversion practices can happen in medical and mental healthcare settings, for example by delaying or withholding gender-affirming healthcare. Knowingly referring someone to an unsupportive medical or mental healthcare practice may also be a conversion practice. Conversion Practices Guidance for people working in religious communities