Australia now behind US on LGBTIQ civil rights
Trans and intersex employees not covered under Fair Work Act
The US Supreme Court decision that protects LGBTIQ people from discrimination in the workplace highlights the need for Australia to move forward.
The ruling on Monday found that the US Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects LGBTIQ people from being sacked for who they are.
Long-time transgender advocate, Sally Goldner AM, said Australia needs to amend the federal Fair Work Act so its protects transgender, gender diverse and intersex Australians and aligns with the Sex Discrimination Act.
“This will cement protection for trans, intersex and gender diverse employees against adverse action and unlawful termination,” Ms Goldner said.
Spokesperson for Just-Equal, Brian Greig, said the relevant provisions of Australian industrial law (sections 351 and 772, Fair Work Act 2009), covers sex and sexual orientation, but not gender identity or sex characteristics (intersex status).
“The result of this exclusion is that trans, gender diverse and intersex employees can be subjected to abuse at work, or dismissed because of who they are, but cannot make a complaint to the Fair Work Commission,” he said.
This issue was raised with the Turnbull Government in 2018 by human rights advocate Alastair Lawrie but dismissed by the Minister at the time, Craig Laundy.
The Minister told Lawrie his concerns were covered by the general protections contained within the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act. Lawrie says this advice was misleading and incomplete.
“Gender identity and intersex status is covered in the SDA, but the Australian Human Rights Commission can take much longer to conciliate, and enforcing outcomes may require action in the Federal Court or Federal Circuit Court at the risk of significant costs orders to the complainant.
“By contrast, arbitration by the Fair Work Commission can be much quicker and is generally a ‘no costs’ jurisdiction,” Lawrie explained.
“This is why sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family responsibilities and pregnancy are all covered under both the SDA and Fair Work Act, allowing parties to choose an expedited, low-cost resolution if it suits them."
“Women, including lesbians, gay men and bisexuals can all exercise this choice, but it is denied to trans, gender diverse and intersex citizens.”
Mr Greig said the current ‘Government-Business-Unions’ consultations to reform industrial relations laws in Australia was an ideal opportunity to raise this issue.
“This problem can be easily fixed by adding trans, gender diverse and intersex people under the protection of the Fair Work Act."
“The US Supreme Court ruling adds to the legal precedents and momentum for this overdue reform,” he said.
For a copy of this statement on the web, click
here
Contacts:
Brian Greig OAM (WA): 040 777 6961
Sally Goldner AM (VIC): 0407 946 242
