Changes to South Australia's discrimination regime

Abstract

South Australia's Parliament is currently considering long awaited amendments to the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA). If passed, they will significantly extend the protections against discrimination offered in South Australia. In particular, the legislation will be extended to cover discrimination based on marital status; identity of a spouse; pregnancy; association with a child; caring responsibilities; profession, trade or lawful occupation; area of residence; mental illness; and asymptomatic diseases (such as HIV). A new prohibition on discrimination based on religious dress and appearance has also been proposed. However, as a result of lobbying from the state's Christian majority, there remains no prohibition on discrimination based on religious belief or practice.