In New Zealand law, conversion practice is any treatment or practice that intends to “change or suppress” your sexual orientation, gender, or gender expression. It doesn’t have to be over a long period of time, the main thing is that it’s done on purpose. Some examples include:
praying for changes to your sexual orientation, gender, or gender expression
disciplining you for your sexual orientation, gender, or gender expression
shaming you for your sexual orientation, gender, or gender expression.
The law also sets out what doesn’t count as conversion practice. Some examples of what conversion practice doesn’t include:
your health practitioner offering professional judgement and advice around your gender or sexuality
a person expressing their personal religious beliefs, without targeting you specifically
The law doesn’t currently cover surgeries on intersex babies, or healthcare settings in general. However, if a medical provider tries to make you not be trans, or refuses to give you all the information you ask for and doesn’t refer you to someone who will, then they may be in breach of the Health and Disability Commission’s rules. You can complain to the Health and Disability Commissioner if this happens (see: “Health and disability services: Your rights and how to enforce them” for more information).