Western Australia Introduces New Legislation To End LGBTQ+ Discrimination In Schools
Image: Ivan S / Pexels
Western Australia has introduced new legislation to modernise the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, offering better protection for LGBTQ+ staff and students.
Under the new rules introduced by the Cook Labor Government, schools will no longer be allowed to fire teachers or expel students due to their sexuality, and individuals subject to discrimination will be able to make a complaint to the Equal Opportunity Commissioner for vilification based on disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex.
The modernised laws will also prohibit discriminating against people who are homeless, exposed to family and domestic violence, pregnant or breastfeeding, who have carer responsibilities, or are involved in trade union activity.
Schools In Western Australia Expected To “Take Reasonable Steps” To Comply
As part of the changes, businesses, schools, and other organisations will be required to take reasonable steps to eliminate discrimination based on their size and available resources, while also making reasonable adjustments for students and employees with a disability, those who are pregnant, breastfeeding mothers, or those with carer responsibilities to help.
“This is the most significant reform of Western Australia’s equal opportunity laws in forty years, and this legislation will bring us into line with other states to ensure more Western Australians are protected from discrimination and harassment,” said Western Australia Premier Roger Cook.
“Today we are sending a clear message: hate is not okay in WA. Nobody should face discrimination or abuse based on their race, religion, sexuality, or disability.
“Every Western Australian deserves to live life free from discrimination, harassment, vilification, and victimisation so that they can life happy and fulfilled lives and contribute fully to family, community, and working life.”
Importantly, the Bill will also make it unlawful for previously exempt individuals, namely judicial officers, local councillors, and Members of Parliament, to discriminate or harass employees or colleagues.
“We also needed to remove some of the exemptions that were historically in place so judges, MPs, and local councillors will now be subject to the same rules in terms of discrimination,” said Attorney General Dr Tony Buti.
“People are entitled to lead their lives without being targeted because of their perceived differences.”
This new legislation comes less than two weeks after independent MP Allegra Spender launched a federal bill to end legal discrimination in religious schools.
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This is really positive news, a great news story. Sadly, this is limited to WA and there needs to be uniform standards throughout the country. I have also written to my MP, Clare O’Neill and Victorian Senators in support of Allegra Spender’s proposed legislation.
Undoubtedly, there will be entrenched resistance from some religious schools and denominations. Christianity is supposed to be based upon the values of Christ. Christ himself aligned himself with society’s outcasts and shunned.
This legislation is welcome.
This has my complete backing; these laws should not even exist, and it is time they were abolished.