Discrimination

Our laws should protect people, not exclude them.

A fair system gives everyone an equal opportunity to participate in society, regardless of who they are, what they believe or the communities they belong to.

The Justice and Equity Centre’s discrimination work strengthens and modernises anti-discrimination laws, to protect human rights and ensure fair access to services, education, work and culture.

This includes protecting the rights of LGBTIQ+ people and communities. We challenge laws and practices that expose people to harm or discrimination because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics, working collaboratively with LGBTIQ+ people and communities.

You can also read more about our work to challenge disability discrimination.

News and resources

News

Transgender woman settles discrimination and sexual harassment complaint against NSW Police and Corrective Services

Melissa Yarnold says her fight has been worthwhile and she feels there has been accountability - but more needs to be done to make the NSW criminal legal system safe

Resource

Submission to Inquiry into Criminal Code Amendment (Hate Crimes) Bill 2024

Our submission to eh Australian Senate inquiry broadly supported the provisions of the Bill, while calling for the legislation to go much further to protect groups more effectively against hate

News

AAP: LGBTQI protections bolstered, but not completely

New Equality laws are a step in the right direction, but still fail to protect all LGBTQI people in NSW.

News

Equality Bill ‘an important step, but not the end of the journey’

The Equality Bill will make real change for gender diverse people in NSW, but the Anti-Discrimination Act still requires urgent reform.

News

2SER: Federal Government under fire for lack of LGBTQI+ representation in 2026 census

Director of Policy and Advocacy, Alastair Lawrie, explained why the Government needs to do more to include LGBTQI+ Australians in the next Census.

News

The Guardian: Hate speech bill won’t address ‘rising tide of public homophobia’

Alastair Lawrie, Director of Policy and Advocacy, commented on the Government's proposed hate speech bill.

Optional Other Priorities

Every donation helps build a fairer, stronger society.

Keep up to date with our work

Subscribe for updates including media coverage, event invitations and progress stories. You will hear from us about twice a month.