No, it's not OK.

By telling Jen that she can't bring her girlfriend, Sam, to the work party, her boss is treating Jen unfavourably because she is gay.

In Victoria it is against the law to discriminate against you at work because of your sexual orientation, gender identity or lawful sexual activity – whether it's known or assumed. This includes bullying.

Go to the next question or keep reading for more information about discrimination because of sexual orientation, gender identity and lawful sexual activity.

What does the law say about sexual orientation?

Whether you are lesbian, gay, bisexual or heterosexual you have the same rights.

That means it is against the law for someone to discriminate against you at work because of your sexual orientation.

What does the law say about gender identity?

You also have the right to identify as a member of a particular gender without discrimination.

People can do this by the way they dress, a change of name and by medical intervention, which can include hormone therapy, counselling and surgery.

What is lawful sexual activity?

Sex between consenting adults is no-one's business but the people involved – as long as it's legal of course.

Our laws protect us all from discrimination on the basis of lawful sexual activity.

That means who you have sex with should have no bearing on whether you get a job or a promotion, and you shouldn't be treated unfavourably because of it.

Contact us

If you want to find out more about discrimination because of sexual orientation, gender identity or lawful sexual activity, you can call the Commission's Enquiry Line for a free and confidential chat on 1300 292 153 or email our Enquiry Line.