Homosexual discrimination case studies

Case studies are provided to help explain the complaints process. They are intended as a guide only and should not be considered or used as legal advice. Outcomes from conciliation vary depending on individual circumstances. Parties to complaints should seek independent legal advice if they require advice about outcomes appropriate to their circumstances. Before lodging a complaint, please speak with an enquiries officer on 1800 670 812.

Employment

Offensive comments made by supervisor
Jun 2024: Brian* is a gay man. He started a new job.
Offensive comments made by customer
Oct 2017: Aiden is a manager and a customer made a comment about his sexuality.
Harassed by co-worker
Oct 2016: Saj worked as a labourer in a car yard and his co-workers made jokes about his sexuality.
Questioned about sexual preference
Nov 2015: Danna and Kylie were transferred into new roles at a predominantly male workplace.

Goods and services

Same sex couple not allowed access to sperm donor
Feb 2023: Sandy and Fran are a same sex couple and are using an IVF clinic to find a sperm donor.
Derogatory comments made at pest inspection
Aug 2022: Robert booked a pest inspection, and the technician refused to provide the service.
Case supervisor excludes lesbian woman
Feb 2018: Gretchen is the legal guardian of her ex-partner’s children.
Fostering agency refuses gay man to foster a child
May 2017: Ronaldo is a gay man and was refused a foster chiild because he was gay.

Accommodation

Lesbian couple are refused accommodation
May 2017: Janine applied for a rental accommodation with a real estate agent.

Registered clubs 

Ejected from a club for being lesbians
Jun 2014: Rochelle and Trixie are two women in a relationship.

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