As state legislators consider new laws, survivors warn the focus must be on reducing harm, and not simply on bans.
Advocates like Nathan Despott from the Brave Network for LGBTQI+ people of faith are urging politicians to see the problem as one that runs much deeper than formal therapy.
“Most of what we see now doesn’t happen in the context of formal practices. It happens in informal settings, it happens in small church groups, it happens undercover and it happens in pastoral care relationships. Usually with church leaders, pastors and ministers but also with other people. So it's really not something that we refer to just as conversion therapy," Mr Despott said.
After years of advocating, states are beginning to wake up to the problem.
The Brave Network has thrown its support behind Victorian government efforts, to draft a bill tackling the issue through civil law.
Consultations have been ongoing for up to five years, as the state attempts to digest the issues.
Mr Despott says it's hoped the coming legislation in Victoria can be a gold standard, for other states to replicate.
Queensland is also taking action with a report on a proposed bill due on 21 February.
Under that legislation, practitioners would face criminal charges and jail if caught proffering formal conversion therapies like aversion therapy, psychotherapy or hypnotherapy.
The legislation has the strong support of medical bodies such as the Australian Psychological Society, but religious groups are pushing back.
Christian Schools Australia and the Australian Christian Lobby are firmly against coercive conversion practices.
But they argue any ban could prevent counsellors from advocating their interpretation of Christian sexual ethic.
Monash University constitutional law expert Luke Beck disagrees, insisting the laws up for debate are not an offence to religious teachings.
