95bFM Human Rights Commission launches conversion practices complaints process
19 August, 2022
By Liam Hansen
Between 20-30 survivors of conversion practices helped shape the complaints process, including Conversion Practices Support Services Manager Andre Afamasaga. Photo: Canva.
Te Kahui Tika Tangata, the Human Rights Commission, has launched its civil redress process for survivors of conversion practices six months after the Conversion Practices Prohibition Legislation Act 2022 passed.
The Commission’s free, confidential, and impartial dispute resolution service is for anyone who believes they have experienced conversion practices.
The service will help people understand what a conversion practice is and connect survivors with support, and with their consent, Police if the situation may meet the threshold of a criminal offence.
According to the Commission, between 20-30 survivors of conversion practices helped shape the complaints process, one of them being Conversion Practices Support Services Manager Andre Afamasaga.
“Our service is a formal way to address some of the deep harm experienced by the rainbow community in Aotearoa New Zealand under the guise of conversion practices,” Afamasaga told 95bFM's The Wire.
“It provides a pathway to acknowledge the experiences of survivors and an opportunity to gain some closure. It will help many to begin healing and move forward from their experiences.”
Conversion practices are any practice that seeks to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, which is not possible.
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