Lesbian

Lesbians are protected from discrimination by law. The Sex Discrimination Act makes it unlawful to treat a person less favourably than another person in a similar situation because of her sexual orientation. There are some limited exemptions.

Same-sex couples are also protected from discrimination under the definition of ‘marital or relationship status’ in the Act.

Example: A company policy that offers benefits only to an employee’s husband or wife, such as discounted travel or gym membership, may disadvantage an employee with a same-sex partner because of her sexual orientation and/or relationship status.

• Good Practice, Good Business: What are sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status discrimination?
• About Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex Status Discrimination