Demand a fair and inclusive WA
The WA Government pledged in 2022 to ban conversion practices.
It followed a parliamentary inquiry and the advocacy of survivor-based groups like Ending Conversion Practices WA.
It’s time for the WA Government to make good on their commitment, and follow the lead of Victoria, NSW, Qld and the ACT in putting an end to these damaging practices that deny the humanity of our communities.
Protect Staff and Students
The WA Government pledged to reform the Equal Opportunity Act to ensure LGBTIQ+ people are protected from discrimination, including students and staff in religious schools.
But despite their commitment, legislation has stalled.
It’s time for religious schools and organisations to play by the same rules as everyone else -- and it’s time for WA to finally come into line with most other states and territories.
Dismissed, denied and demeaned
Religious schools and organisations in Western Australia are currently exempt from the state's equal opportunity laws (Equal Opportunity Act 1984), allowing them to legally discriminate against our communities.
This means that right now in WA, LGBTQ+ staff and students can be fired or expelled because of who they are.
No child should walk through their school gates forced to hide who they are, and no one should fear being fired if they’re visible.
It's time for laws in WA that protect all of us, equally.
Fix the Gaps
Legislation abolishing WA’s archaic and cruel Gender Reassignment Board was introduced earlier this year.
But while the long-awaited gender recognition reforms are welcome, they fail to recognise all trans and gender diverse people.
WA remains one of the last places in Australia to require medical treatment before a person can have their gender recognised on their birth certificate.
This ensures that trans and gender diverse people have the ID they need to get a job, open a bank account or enrol to study.
WA needs to do better.