While the ban on conversion therapy is delayed, queer people are being tortured

Our politicians love a PR opportunity to talk about their support for the queer community, but when the time comes to act, they hesitate again and again, writes Shaneel Lal. When I wake up every morning, I don’t look in the mirror and say, “oops, I’m trans, better fix that”. But in the summer of … Read more

The Bulletin: Advance voting surges ahead of final week

Good morning and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Advance voting surges ahead of final week, poll shows John Tamihere in with a chance at Tāmaki Makaurau, and insights into modern drug smuggling revealed. With a week to go before election day, hundreds of thousands of people have already got their vote done and … Read more

‘Soul-destroying’: What conversion therapy in NZ looks like

After two unsuccessful petitions in 2019, Labour is finally promising to ban conversion therapy in the upcoming election. Sherry Zhang talks to Anna* about what conversion therapy was like and what a ban on its practise would mean.  “It makes me want to cry. It makes me feel seen, like I’m not just making shit … Read more

Parenting Place charity cuts ties with counsellor over sexuality conversion therapy

David Riddell says he has been ‘thrown under the bus’ by the well-known parenting organisation, which listed him as an approved counsellor despite his therapeutic practice with children whom he believes have been ‘sent in a same-sex direction’ by their parents. Emily Writes reports. Parenting Place, one of New Zealand’s largest support networks for parents … Read more

The Bulletin: Peace protests erupt in Palmy

Good morning, and welcome to The Bulletin. In today’s edition: Serious clashes between police and protesters in Palmerston North, ANZ banks ludicrously big profit, and gay conversion therapy could be banned. The most heavily protested annual conference of the year is back, this time in the unlikely surroundings of Palmerston North. The Defence Industry Expo – otherwise … Read more