The Victorian Government recently made changes to the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. These changes came into effect on 14 June 2022 and 14 December 2022.

Under the changes, religious bodies and schools are prohibited from discriminating (except in limited circumstances where the discrimination is reasonable and proportionate or another exception under the Equal Opportunity Act applies) against people based on:

  • sex
  • sexual orientation
  • lawful sexual activity
  • marital status
  • parental status
  • gender identity.

These changes ensure a fairer balance between the right to religious freedom and the right to be free from discrimination.

Discrimination by religious bodies and schools in relation to employment

From 14 June 2022, religious bodies and schools can only discriminate against employees or potential employees where:

  • conformity with the beliefs, doctrines or principles of the body or school’s religion is an inherent (i.e. core, essential or important) requirement of the job
  • the other person cannot meet that inherent requirement because of their religious belief or activity
  • the discrimination is reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances.

Discrimination by religious bodies and schools in other circumstances

From 14 June 2022, schools can only discriminate based on a student, or prospective student’s, religious beliefs or activities. However, the discrimination must be reasonable and proportionate in the circumstances and:

  • to do so would conform with the doctrines, beliefs or principles of the school's religion, or
  • the discrimination is reasonably necessary to avoid injury to the religious sensitivities of adherents of the school’s religion.

Discrimination by religious bodies when providing government-funded goods and services

From 14 December 2022, religious bodies providing goods and services funded by the Victorian Government will only be able to discriminate on the basis of a person’s religious belief, in limited circumstances, when it is reasonable and proportionate.

They will not be able to discriminate when providing goods or services (unless another exception applies) because of a person’s:

  • sex
  • sexual orientation
  • lawful sexual activity
  • marital status
  • parental status
  • gender identity.  

These changes apply to new and existing funding contracts. Any religious body that holds a funding contract with the Victorian Government to provide goods or services will be impacted by the changes.

More information on the changes can be found on Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission (External link).

Discrimination by individuals

There is no longer an exception for individuals. This means an individual will not be able to discriminate against another person in the circumstances covered by the Equal Opportunity Act in order to comply with their religious beliefs.

What will not change

The government has not changed the law that allows religious bodies and schools to discriminate in relation to:

  • ordaining or appointing priests, ministers of religion or members of a religious order
  • training or educating people seeking ordination or appointment as priests, ministers of religion or members of a religious order
  • selecting or appointing people to perform functions relating to, or participating in, any religious observance or practice.

More information on what this means for you is at humanrights.vic.gov.au (External link).

Information in other languages

If you would like information about these reforms, including in your own language, call the VEOHRC’s Enquiry Line on 1300 292 153 (External link), open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday. 

If you need an interpreter, call 1300 152 494 (External link).

Where to get help

In an emergency, always call Triple Zero (000):

If you are seeking legal advice you can contact:

If you are LGBTIQ+ you can contact:

  • Rainbow Door
    A free specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline. It provides support and referral to all LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their family and friends. Call 1800 729 367, email support@rainbowdoor.org.au (External link) or SMS 0480 017 246.
  • QLife
    Provides Australia-wide LGBTQIA+ peer support and referrals for people wanting to talk about a range of issues, including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings, or relationships. Call 1800 184 527 or visit qlife.org.au (External link).

If you are a young person you can contact:

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person you can contact:

For other mental health support you can contact: