16 Sept 2026 – One hundred women’s organisations, LGBTIQ+ groups, unions, disability groups and mental health advocates have united to oppose proposals to redefine ‘sex’ under Australia’s anti-discrimination laws, warning that doing so would put longstanding protections for trans and intersex people, as well as women, at risk. The letter comes a day after a [...] Read More... The post 100 organisations unite to defend Australia’s anti-discrimination laws appeared first on Equality Australia.

September 9, 2026 — Equality Australia has welcomed landmark recommendations to tackle anti-LGBTIQ+ hate crime in Victoria, calling on state and federal governments to act on the inquiry’s findings and address the scale and devastating impact of hate. The report, tabled on Tuesday, makes 41 findings and 35 recommendations to strengthen Victoria’s response to the alarming [...] Read More... The post Equality Australia urges Victorian and federal governments to act on inquiry’s recommendations to tackle anti-LGBTIQ+ hate appeared first on Equality Australia.

August 4, 2026 - Equality Australia says the NSW government has failed to act on the clear recommendations of its own review, denying LGBTIQ+ communities equal protection from hate. Attorney-General Michael Daley released the findings of Justice John Sackar KC’s review into NSW hate speech protections on Tuesday and dismissed its key recommendation that protections be extended to all communities targeted [...] Read More... The post NSW Govt fails to act on own review, leaving LGBTIQ+ people without protections against hate, community says  appeared first on Equality Australia.

3 July 2026 – LGBTIQ+ groups and women’s organisations say the Coalition’s Bill to redefine ‘sex’ would undermine the privacy and safety of all women, and strip trans people of basic legal protections. The Bill, voted down in the Senate 30 votes to 21 on Wednesday, would have also overridden existing state and territory protections, reversed decades of [...] Read More... The post Women’s and LGBTIQ+ groups say Coalition’s Bill will undermine the safety and privacy of all women appeared first on Equality Australia.

17 June 2026 – National LGBTIQ+ group Equality Australia has slammed a transphobic speech from Pauline Hanson during her national press club address. The One Nation Leader on Wednesday used her first speech to the National Press Club in Canberra to refer to the movement for trans equality as a “militant force” that must be “confronted” [...] Read More... The post Equality Australia slams transphobic speech from One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson during National Press Club address appeared first on Equality Australia.

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25 May 2026 - National LGBTIQ+ group Equality Australia has slammed a private member’s bill that would weaken federal anti-discrimination protections for LGBTIQ+ people and women. Nationals MP Alison Penfold on Monday introduced the bill to federal parliament, which includes a narrow definition of sex and seeks to exclude trans women from a range of public spaces [...] Read More... The post Equality Australia slams new anti-trans bill that would weaken protections for all women appeared first on Equality Australia.

15 May 2026 – National LGBTIQ+ group Equality Australia has welcomed a Federal Court judgment that has upheld the right of trans women to live free from discrimination. In a judgement handed down in Sydney on Friday, the Full Court of the Federal Court dismissed an appeal by Sall Grover and her app Giggle for Girls, confirming that Roxanne Tickle was discriminated against [...] Read More... The post Equality Australia welcomes Full Federal Court judgment that upholds the rights of trans women appeared first on Equality Australia.

April 24, 2026 — Equality Australia has welcomed the recommendations of a NSW inquiry that found LGBTIQ+ people are among the communities targeted by right-wing extremism, alongside Jewish communities, women and other minority groups. The report, handed down yesterday, found that right-wing extremism is rooted in prejudice, including homophobia and transphobia, as well as antisemitism, racism and misogyny. It also [...] Read More... The post Equality Australia welcomes recommendations of NSW inquiry into far-right extremism appeared first on Equality Australia.

March 17, 2025 — Equality Australia says new legislation to strengthen hate crime laws in NSW is an important first step, but warns a broader response is needed to address the rise in targeted hate against LGBTIQ+ people. The legislation, to be introduced to NSW parliament on Tuesday, follows media reporting of gay and bisexual teenagers lured through dating apps and violently assaulted [...] Read More... The post Equality Australia welcomes new legislation to combat anti-LGBTIQ+ hate crimes in NSW appeared first on Equality Australia.

5 March 2026 – Equality Australia has welcomed a Queensland Appeal Tribunal ruling that found an earlier court judgment dismissing a vilification complaint against Lyle Shelton was affected by significant legal and factual errors. Drag performers Johnny Valkyrie and Dwayne Hill, who perform under the names Queeny and Diamond, brought the complaint against the National Director of Family First over a [...] Read More... The post Equality Australia welcomes Queensland decision that drag story time vilification complaint against Lyle Shelton was wrongly decided appeared first on Equality Australia.

3 March 2026 – Equality Australia has welcomed renewed UN pressure to end LGBTQ+ discrimination in religious schools, saying it’s time for Labor to finally make good on its promise to protect students and staff. Over the weekend, the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recommended Australia fix the exemptions that allow this discrimination [...] Read More... The post United Nations calls Australia out again — Equality Australia urges action on discrimination in religious schools appeared first on Equality Australia.

February 27, 2025 — Equality Australia says shocking new police data on anti-LGBTIQ+ violence underscores the urgent need for action from the NSW Government to address rising hate-motivated attacks. Almost 200 incidents of anti-LGBTIQ+ violence have been reported in NSW since 2023, according to police data obtained by the ABC. Assault, aggravated robbery and affray were [...] Read More... The post New police data reveals scale of anti-LGBTIQ+ violence in NSW and need for urgent action appeared first on Equality Australia.

February 25, 2025 — Equality Australia and ACON have welcomed a commitment from NSW Premier Chris Minns to do more to combat rising hate against the LGBTIQ+ community following a spate of violent assaults in Sydney. However, both organisations have cautioned that a criminal justice response alone will not be sufficient to prevent further harm. An ABC investigation [...] Read More... The post LGBTIQ+ groups welcome NSW Premier’s commitment to address rising hate and violence appeared first on Equality Australia.

February 19, 2025 — Intersex advocates and LGBTIQ+ groups have welcomed the passing of landmark legislation in Victoria that will protect future generations of intersex children from irreversible medical procedures. The new law, which passed the upper house on Thursday with multipartisan support (24 votes to 15), delays deferrable medical interventions until a person is able to make the decision for themselves. Independent assessment panels will also oversee proposed treatment plans for children born with [...] Read More... The post Community welcomes new laws protecting intersex children from unnecessary medical procedures in Victoria appeared first on Equality Australia.

<p>February&#160;6, 2025&#160;—&#160;Equality Australia and intersex advocates have welcomed the passage of landmark legislation through Victoria’s lower house that will protect intersex children from unnecessary and irreversible medical procedures. The bill passed&#160;without opposition&#160;on Thursday. “These reforms are about stopping unnecessary harm - not stopping necessary and appropriate care,”&#160;said&#160;Equality Australia Legal Director Heather Corkhill. “Intersex people deserve [...]</p> <p><a class="btn btn-secondary freedomtheme-read-more-link" href="https://equalityaustralia.org.au/bill-protecting-intersex-children-from-unnecessary-medical-interventions-passes-vic-lower-house/">Read More...</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://equalityaustralia.org.au/bill-protecting-intersex-children-from-unnecessary-medical-interventions-passes-vic-lower-house/">Bill protecting intersex children from unnecessary medical interventions passes Vic lower house</a> appeared first on <a href="https://equalityaustralia.org.au">Equality Australia</a>.</p>

<p>27 January 2026&#160;–&#160;A&#160;major&#160;United Nations review has called on Australia to end laws that allow religious schools&#160;to&#160;legally&#160;discriminate against LGBTIQ+ students and staff. Australia was reviewed by other member states at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday as part of the&#160;Universal Periodic Review (UPR)&#160;process. The UPR provides&#160;a comprehensive peer review of each UN member [...]</p> <p><a class="btn btn-secondary freedomtheme-read-more-link" href="https://equalityaustralia.org.au/end-laws-that-allow-religious-schools-in-australia-to-legally-discriminate-urges-major-un-review/">Read More...</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://equalityaustralia.org.au/end-laws-that-allow-religious-schools-in-australia-to-legally-discriminate-urges-major-un-review/">End laws that allow religious schools in Australia to legally discriminate, urges major UN review</a> appeared first on <a href="https://equalityaustralia.org.au">Equality Australia</a>.</p>

16 Jan 2026 – Equality Australia is calling on the federal government to work with the Greens and crossbench to extend protections to all communities targeted by hate and secure the bill’s passage through parliament next week. Under the draft bill, LGBTIQ+ people and other vulnerable groups have been excluded from the aggravated sentencing provision and remain without protection from promoting or inciting hatred. “Parliament has an opportunity to deliver lasting protections for LGBTIQ+ people facing escalating violence [...] Read More... The post Equality Australia calls on federal parliament to extent hate speech protections and get bill passed appeared first on Equality Australia.

13 January, 2026 – Equality Australia says the federal government’s proposed overhaul of hate speech laws fails to adequately protect LGBTIQ+ people and other vulnerable communities. Under the reforms, set to be debated in parliament next week, LGBTIQ+ people have been excluded from the aggravated sentencing provision and remain without protection from a new law against promoting or inciting hatred, which is limited to race [...] Read More... The post New hate speech laws fail to adequately protect LGBTIQ+ community, Equality Australia says appeared first on Equality Australia.

Jan 8, 2026 - LGBTIQ+ groups are calling on the federal government to include greater protections for their communities in its proposed overhaul of hate speech legislation. Earlier this week Executive Council of Australian Jewry voiced its support for expanded anti-vilification protections for all minority groups. LGBTIQ+ Australians face alarmingly high rates of harm, harassment and violence for being who they are. Recently, Nazis marched in the streets targeting our communities holding a banner saying “destroy paedo freaks”, extreme violence was perpetrated against gay men [...] Read More... The post LGBTIQ+ groups urge greater protection from hate speech appeared first on Equality Australia.

Dec 21, 2025 – Human rights groups, community advocates and medical experts have slammed the Northern Territory government’s shock decision to block young trans people from accessing essential healthcare. NT Health Minister Steve Edgington on Sunday said the government would cease public health access to puberty blockers and gender-affirming hormones for people under the age of 18. It follows a similar ban in Queensland, which was on Friday [...] Read More... The post Medical experts and LGBTIQ+ groups slam Northern Territory’s ban on healthcare for trans youth appeared first on Equality Australia.

Dec 19, 2025 - Medical experts, health bodies and LGBTIQ+ organisations have condemned the Queensland Government’s decision to extend its ban on healthcare for trans youth for at least the next six years. Health Minister Tim Nicholls confirmed on Friday that the freeze on puberty blockers and gender-affirming hormones will remain in place until the conclusion of a UK National Health Service trial, which [...] Read More... The post Qld’s extension of healthcare ban for trans youth slammed by community and experts appeared first on Equality Australia.

Dec 8, 2025 – More than 140 medical professionals are among the 415 signatories to an open letter urging the Queensland Government to reinstate healthcare for trans youth. The signatories include GPs, psychologists, child psychiatrists, endocrinologists, as well as health organisations such as the Nurses and Midwives’ Union, AusPATH, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia and the Queensland [...] Read More... The post 142 medical professionals sign mass open letter urging Queensland Government to restore health care for trans youth appeared first on Equality Australia.

Dec 1, 2025 - Intersex children in Australia remain at risk of harm from procedures that could be deferred until they are old enough to consent for themselves, a groundbreaking new report by Equality Australia has found. The Missing Voice provides insight into current surgical and other medical interventions on intersex children in Australia and the rationales driving these decisions. “Our report shows that intersex [...] Read More... The post Equality Australia releases groundbreaking new report on medical interventions on intersex children and calls for urgent action appeared first on Equality Australia.

25 Nov 2025 - Australia will finally have a more complete picture of who we are as a nation when the first ever LGBTQ+ population data is released in 2027, says Equality Australia. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Tuesday announced that information from the 2026 Census will be released in three phases, with data for the new topic of sexual orientation and gender identity to be available in June 2027. [...] Read More... The post Equality Australia welcomes first LGBTQ+ census data in mid-2027 appeared first on Equality Australia.

Nov 18, 2025: A petition signed by more than 15,500 people was tabled in Queensland Parliament today, calling on the state government to resume healthcare for trans youth. The petition was hosted by ten groups including Equality Australia, Transcend, Open Doors Youth Service and Trans Justice Project. The petition – signed by 15,681 people – calls on the LNP government to reverse its “outrageous overreach into the lives of Queensland families” and [...] Read More... The post Community orgs deliver petition to Queensland parliament, welcome Warren Entsch’s call for reinstatement of healthcare for trans youth appeared first on Equality Australia.

Oct 29, 2025 – Olympian Ian Thorpe AM has urged federal politicians to reject fearmongering and misinformation, warning that toxic public debates take a serious toll on the mental health of young LGBTIQ+ people. Thorpe delivered his impassioned plea at the inaugural Parliamentary Friends of LGBTIQ+ Australians morning tea, hosted on Tuesday by the group’s new co-chairs — Labor MP Sharon Claydon, Liberal MP Leon Rebello, [...] Read More... The post Thorpey calls on politicians to reject fearmongering and misinformation as LGBTIQ+ friendship group pledges to stand up for equality appeared first on Equality Australia.

Oct 28, 2025 - Equality Australia has welcomed a Supreme Court ruling which found the Queensland Government acted unlawfully when it suspended care for trans youth earlier this year. Justice Peter Callaghan upheld the legal challenge brought by the mother of a trans teenager, who was prevented from accessing care when the shock ban was [...] Read More... The post Equality Australia welcomes Supreme Court ruling overturning Qld’s ban on trans healthcare appeared first on Equality Australia.

Oct 28, 2025 - Equality Australia has welcomed Olympic and Australian legend Ian Thorpe AM as a new patron, as the national LGBTIQ+ group continues campaigning for federal protections from discrimination and hate. The swimming icon joined Equality Australia at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday to formally announce his patronage. “I’m proud to officially become a patron of Equality Australia. I’ve worked alongside them for many years because I believe everyone in our community deserves equal rights and [...] Read More... The post Olympic champion Ian Thorpe announced as Equality Australia’s new patron appeared first on Equality Australia.

27 Aug 2025 - Equality Australia has welcomed a court ruling that found anti-trans campaigner Kirralie Smith and Binary Australia unlawfully vilified two trans women in a series of social media posts. It marks the first time someone has been found to have unlawfully vilified a person for being trans under NSW law. In the NSW Local Court on Tuesday, Deputy Chief Magistrate Sharon Freund found that Smith and her anti-trans [...] Read More... The post Court ruling that anti-trans campaigner unlawfully vilified two trans women is welcomed by Equality Australia appeared first on Equality Australia.

12 August, 2025 – National and local LGBTIQ+ group are calling on WA parliament to pass the Cook Government’s long-awaited surrogacy Bill that will finally reform the state’s outdated and discriminatory laws. Western Australia is the only jurisdiction in the country that still prohibits altruistic surrogacy for gay couples and single men. It also prevents potential parents from [...] Read More... The post WA Government to introduce Bill that will finally allow gay men access to altruistic surrogacy appeared first on Equality Australia.

August 8, 2025 The statement was signed by 28 groups, including Dykes on Bikes Melbourne, Dykes on Bikes Sydney, ACON, Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Equality Australia, Twenty10, Qtopia, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, Victorian Pride Centre, Pride WA and Shine SA. “We reject damaging public narratives that seek to divide us and deny the long and connected history of our movement for [...] Read More... The post Peak LGBTIQ+ groups from around the country have signed a statement rejecting the divisive politics that seek to discriminate against trans women appeared first on Equality Australia.

July 30, 2025 – The NT Government has introduced legislation that weakens hate speech protections and opens the door to discrimination in religious schools, say unions and equality groups. The NT’s Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 was finally strengthened and brought in line with community expectations in 2023. But rights and protections in the Act will be wound [...] Read More... The post New legislation weakens Territorians’ rights, groups warn following introduction of new legislation appeared first on Equality Australia.

July 1, 2025 – Women’s, disability and LGBTIQ+ groups are calling on the Queensland government to stop blocking the anti-discrimination laws that were due to take effect today. The state government last month passed legislation that indefinitely paused the most significant overhaul of the state’s anti-discrimination laws in 30 years. The former Labor government’s Respect at [...] Read More... The post Queensland government urged to stop blocking vital anti-discrimination reforms appeared first on Equality Australia.

July 1, 2025 – Community groups have welcomed key reforms in the NSW Equality Act coming into effect today, including new birth certificate laws and better recognition of some rainbow families. The largest package of LGBTIQ+ reforms in NSW history was passed last October, bringing the state into line with the rest of the country. From [...] Read More... The post Birth certificate reforms and better recognition for rainbow families comes into effect in NSW appeared first on Equality Australia.

31 May 2025 - LGBTIQ+ groups say new birth certificate laws that come into effect in Western Australia today will change lives for trans and gender diverse people across the state. Trans people will no longer be required to have gender affirming medical treatment or seek approval from the Gender Reassignment Board before updating their gender [...] Read More... The post LGBTIQ+ groups welcome new birth certificate laws coming into effect in WA appeared first on Equality Australia.

19 May 2025 – Unions, faith, women’s and LGBTIQ+ groups have signed a joint letter urging the NT Government to retain protections that ensure vulnerable communities are not exposed to hate speech or discrimination. The letter to the NT Chief Minister was signed by 28 organisations, including Anglicare NT, Australian Services Union SA & NT [...] Read More... The post Unions, faith and LGBTIQ+ orgs call on NT Government to keep protections against hate speech and discrimination in schools appeared first on Equality Australia.

May 1, 2025 – Women’s, disability and LGBTIQ+ groups say the passing of a Bill that indefinitely delays anti-discrimination reforms in Queensland will leave thousands of people exposed to harassment and discrimination. It also creates uncertainty for businesses and workers, who were planning on the new laws taking effect on July 1 this year. The legislated delay [...] Read More... The post Community groups slam passing of Bill that indefinitely delays anti-discrimination reforms in Qld appeared first on Equality Australia.

24 April 2025 – Equality Australia has released a federal election voting guide reflecting where the parties and some independents stand on the issues that matter most to our communities. A side-by-side overview captures the extent to which each party has committed to advancing the rights and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ people in Australia across a [...] Read More... The post Equality Australia releases LGBTIQ+ federal election voting guide appeared first on Equality Australia.

17 April 2025: Overnight the UK Supreme Court ruled that the meaning of sex for the purposes of discrimination protections is confined to so-called ‘biological sex’ – excluding trans women from the same legal protections of other women, while also limiting the rights of trans men and non-binary people. This ruling came about as challenges [...] Read More... The post UK Supreme Court rules narrow definition of woman for UK anti-discrimination laws, trans people will lose protections appeared first on Equality Australia.

14 April 2025 – The political lineup for tomorrow’s Rainbow Votes Election Forum has been revealed with Greens MP Stephen Bates, Liberal Senator Andrew Bragg, Independent MP Allegra Spender and Labor MP Kate Thwaites to discuss the issues that matter most to our community. Equality Australia CEO Anna Brown said the sold-out event in Sydney [...] Read More... The post Panellists announced for Rainbow Votes Election Forum appeared first on Equality Australia.

4 April 2025 - Survivors and Equality Australia welcome conversion ban taking effect in NSW April 4, 2025 – Survivors have welcomed a ban on conversion practices coming into effect in NSW, and paid tribute to those who fought for the reforms, saying it will save countless people from a lifetime of pain. The Conversion Practices Ban [...] Read More... The post Survivors and Equality Australia welcome conversion ban taking effect in NSW appeared first on Equality Australia.

April 2, 2025 – Peak women’s, disability and LGBTIQ+ groups have welcomed the passing of the first protections against hate speech for their communities by the Victorian parliament. The Justice Legislation Amendment (Anti-vilification and Social Cohesion) Bill was passed 22 votes to 17 on Wednesday morning with support from the minor parties. It expands the state's [...] Read More... The post First protections against hate speech for vulnerable groups welcomed in Victoria appeared first on Equality Australia.

April 2, 2025 – About one in five LGBTIQ+ voters are currently undecided with more than a third indicating they intend to change who they vote for in the upcoming election, a new report has found. LGBTIQ+ policies remain the number one priority for queer voters, closely followed by climate issues and cost of living, according [...] Read More... The post One million LGBTIQ+ votes can’t be taken for granted after survey finds a third will change how they vote this election appeared first on Equality Australia.

April 1, 2024 – A ban on LGBTQA+ conversion practices in South Australia comes into effect today, with survivors and community groups saying the new law will protect thousands of vulnerable people into the future. Conversion practices that seek to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity are now illegal in SA, with [...] Read More... The post Survivors and Equality Australia welcome conversion ban coming into effect in SA appeared first on Equality Australia.

March 13, 2025 – Almost nine out of ten Australians don’t want trans issues to be used for political gain during this federal election campaign, according to a new poll. Most Australians also stridently oppose discrimination against the LGBT community and believe trans people should have the same rights and protections as everyone else. The [...] Read More... The post Australian voters reject Clive Palmer’s divisive ads: new poll shows appeared first on Equality Australia.

March 4, 2025 – Peak women’s, disability and LGBTIQ+ groups have joined forces to call on the Victorian Upper House to pass the state’s first ever protections for their communities against hate speech. The letter to Victorian parliamentarians was signed by 23 organisations, including Women’s Health Victoria, Gender Equity Victoria, Women with Disabilities Victoria, People With [...] Read More... The post 23 women’s, disability and LGBTIQ+ organisations unite to support VIC hate crime law appeared first on Equality Australia.

March 1, 2025 – Mardi Gras is a time of joy and community celebration – but it also serves as a reminder that LGBTIQ+ people need to be protected from hate speech, Equality Australia says. Reporting from Channel 7 today detailing a homophobic attack that occurred near Oxford St highlights that verbal and physical abuse against [...] Read More... The post Mardi Gras is a reminder the LGBTIQ+ community needs protections from hate appeared first on Equality Australia.

27 February 2025 – Equality Australia is honoured to welcome Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, as a new patron of the national LGBTIQ+ group. Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia: “I am honoured to be patron of Equality Australia, an organisation that [...] Read More... The post Governor-General Sam Mostyn AC announced as Equality Australia’s new patron appeared first on Equality Australia.

Feb 20, 2025 – Equality Australia has welcomed the passing of anti-vilification protections through Victorian Parliament’s Lower House, saying the Bill offers the first ever protections for LGBTIQ+ people against hate speech. The Justice Legislation Amendment (Anti-vilification and Social Cohesion) Bill expands the state's hate speech laws to protect people if they are vilified based on [...] Read More... The post Equality Australian welcomes hate speech bill passing Vic Lower House appeared first on Equality Australia.