In , the Commission conducted a National Inquiry into discrimination against people in same-sex relationships regarding access to financial and work-related entitlements and benefits. In June , the Commission published the final report of the Inquiry. The Inquiry found that there are 58 federal laws which discriminate against same-sex couples and their children. The Inquiry recommends simple amendments to the 58 laws: changing the definitions describing de facto relationships to include same-sex couples. The Inquiry also recommends changes to federal, state and territory laws to recognise the relationship between a child and both parents in a same-sex couple. This would better protect the best interests of the child. Whilst conducting the Inquiry, the Commission also heard about several other areas of discrimination being faced by gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex GLBTI Australians.

We use cookies to improve your experience of our website. You can find out more or opt-out from some cookies. Discrimination because of sexual orientation is when you are treated unfairly because of your sexual orientation. S exual orientation is also know as sexuality.

Sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace occurs when an employee is subjected to negative employment action, harassment, or denial of certain benefits because of their sexual orientation, or the sexual orientation of someone they are close to. Sexual orientation discrimination has been part of the workplace in America for decades, and while federal, state and local laws, as well as increased social awareness have improved the situation dramatically, many people who are not heterosexual still face obstacles at work related to being gay, bisexual, asexual, or pansexual. It is important for employees to have the right information about what constitutes discrimination based on sexual orientation, what constitutes harassment, and how sexual orientation discrimination can tie in with other prohibited forms of discrimination like, sex, disability, gender identity, and marital status. Sexual orientation discrimination can affect your job status, your working environment, your health benefits, and a host of other issues in the workplace.