Warning: This article deals with the topic of targeted violence against LGBTQIA+ folks and may be triggering for some readers.
Dominic Perrottet and Conversion Therapy
Conversion therapy: A disgusting pseudoscience that aims to alter someone’s sexual orientation. This practice is used by some religious organisations to attempt to ‘convert’ gay, bisexual, pansexual, and asexual people into becoming straight. It’s also used by these same organisations to force trans people to change their gender identities.
Conversion therapy is built upon tactical abuse, vilification, and the false assumption that LGBTQIA+ folks are fundamentally wrong.
This ‘therapy’ is currently banned in the ACT, Victoria, and Queensland. Recently, there’s been discussion over whether or not NSW would also ban this practice.
As of February 17, NSW’s Premier, Dominic Perrottet, has declared that he is in favour of his state making conversion therapy illegal. He’s announced that, if he’s reelected, he’ll make that happen.
Perrottet said, “There is no room for any harmful practices in NSW, particularly if they affect our young and vulnerable.”
“When the parliament returns, my government will provide in-principle support for legislation that brings an end to any harmful practices. This is a complex matter, and in working through it with parliamentary colleagues, we will carefully consider the legal expression and effect of such laws.”
Perrottet has been a tad slow to make a conversion therapy promise. On February 15, Perrottet wouldn’t take a stand on this issue. Meanwhile, the NSW Opposition Leader, Chris Minns, had already expressed that he wants to ban conversion therapy in his state.
Were Those Three UFO Balloons From China? Biden Spills All
On February 4, the US shot down a Chinese balloon in their airspace. Since then, the US has been on a UFO killing spree, destroying multiple flying devices. Two of these UFOs have been shot down over America and one has been shot down over Canada.
However, unlike the Chinese balloon that kicked off this saga, not much is known about these other devices. Fortunately, the President of the US, Joe Biden, has released some details about these UFOs. He’s stated that they’re probably not from China, and they’re 100% not from an alien society.
“We don’t yet know exactly what these three objects were, but nothing right now suggests they were related to China’s spy balloon program or that they were surveillance vehicles from any other country,” said Biden.
“The intelligence community’s current assessment is that these three objects were most likely balloons tied to private companies, recreation or research institutions studying weather or conducting other scientific research.”
Related: Did the UFO Shoot Down Spree Kill Any Aliens?
Related: NASA Smashed a Spaceship Into an Asteroid — Here’s Why
Unpacking the EU’s Ban on Petrol and Diesel Cars
The European Union (EU) has done it. They are officially aiming to cut their countries’ car emissions by 100% before 2035 is over. Additionally, to make this aim a reality, they have introduced harsh financial penalties for those who’ll engage with the petrol and diesel car industry. These penalties basically mean that fossil fuel-chomping cars will become a thing of the past in Europe.
When discussing these changes, one European Council Member, Jan Huitema, said, “This regulation encourages the production of zero- and low-emission vehicles. It contains an ambitious revision of the targets for 2030 and a zero-emission target for 2035, which is crucial to reach climate neutrality by 2050.”
“These targets create clarity for the car industry and stimulate innovation and investments for car manufacturers. Purchasing and driving zero-emission cars will become cheaper for consumers, and a second-hand market will emerge more quickly. It makes sustainable driving accessible to everyone.”
If this article brings up any issues for you or anyone you know, or you have experienced targeted violence, please contact Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), both of which provide trained counsellors you can talk with 24/7. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.
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