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Public statement: EOA reforms to religious discrimination based on sexuality and gender

16 September 2021

Today the Victorian Government announced plans to reform the Equal Opportunity Act to better protect the LGBTIQ+ community from discrimination.

The proposed changes will limit and remove exceptions that presently allow religious bodies and schools to sack or refuse to hire LGBTIQ+ employees based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or other protected attribute.

The Equal Opportunity Amendment (Religious Exceptions) Bill 2021 seeks to strike a balance between the fundamental right of faith-based organisations to practice their religion and equality for the LGBTIQ+ community. Faith-based organisations will still be able to make employment decisions based on an employee’s religious beliefs where these are an inherent requirement of the job, such as in the case of a religious studies teacher.

If passed, the new legislation will also mean faith-based organisations and schools that receive government funding to provide services such as counselling, homelessness support or hiring out community facilities, will also not be able to refuse to provide those services to people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Government has committed to consulting with faith-based groups, education bodies and LGBTIQ+ organisations to inform the drafting of the legislation, and the Commission looks forward to the eventual passage of the proposed reforms through the Parliament and into law.

Click here for further information. 

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Address
Level 3, 204 Lygon Street Carlton Victoria 3053

General enquiries
enquiries@veohrc.vic.gov.au

Reception
1300 891 848

Enquiry line
1300 292 153 or (03) 9032 3583

Interpreters
1300 152 494

NRS Voice Relay
1300 555 727 then use 1300 292 153

Media enquiries
0447 526 642

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission acknowledges that we work on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We also work remotely and serve communities on the lands of other Traditional Custodians.

We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.