What is Discrimination on the basis of Lawful Sexual Activities?

Under the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995, it is unlawful to discriminate against someone or treat them unfairly because of their actual or presumed lawful sexual activity or orientation.

Lawful sexual activity is defined as including either:

• taking part in or not taking part or
• refusing to take part in any form of sexual activity not prohibited by Victorian law.

This covers homosexuals, lesbians and heterosexuals, legal prostitution and people perceived to fall into one of these groups.

What is Sex Discrimination?

Under the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995, it is unlawful to discriminate against someone or treat them unfairly because of their sex.

Discrimination on the basis of sex may be direct or indirect.

Direct discrimination on the basis of sex means treating a person of any sex less favourably than a person who is of a different sex, in the same or similar circumstances.

Australia is a country where the right to live free from unfair treatment is protected by law. This is called the right to Equal Opportunity. This right is protected under Victorian law by the Equal Opportunity Act 1995. This right is also protected under three Federal laws:

• The Racial Discrimination Act 1975
• The Sex Discrimination Act 1984
• The Disability Discrimination Act 1992

RIGHTS

Everyone in Australia has the Right to Equal Opportunity including:

• citizens
• permanent residents
• those applying for citizenship or permanent residence,
• visitors to Australia

What is Discrimination on the basis of Race or Religious belief or activity?

Under the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995, it is unlawful to discriminate against someone or treat them unfairly because of their actual or assumed:

RACE

which includes colour, descent, nationality, ethnic background or any characteristics associated with a particular race.

RELIGIOUS BELIEF OR ACTIVITY

which includes:

• holding or not holding a lawful religious belief or view; or
• taking part, not taking part or refusing to take part in a lawful religious activity.

What is Pregnancy, Parental or Marital Discrimination?

Under the Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995, it is unlawful to discriminate against someone or treat them unfairly because of their:

Or because she is a woman and therefore capable of becomingpregnant.

This includes being a stepparent, adoptive parent, foster parent or guardian.

This includes being single, married, divorced, widowed, being in a de facto relationship or married but separated