Discrimination is treating, or proposing to treat, someone unfavourably because of a personal characteristic protected by the law. This includes bullying someone because of a protected characteristic.
In Victoria it is against the law for someone to discriminate against you because of your political beliefs or activities, or what people think these might be.
Political belief or activity is where someone:
- has, or does not have, a lawful political belief
- is, or is not, a member of a political party
- takes part in, or refuses to take part in, political action.
Examples of political belief or activity discrimination
At a job interview Ally is asked if she is a member of a conservative organisation. When she says no, the interviewer abruptly ends the conversation, claiming that all employees must share the employer’s political beliefs.
Graham, a year 11 student, submits an assignment for his politics class which supports making euthanasia legal and a political party that advocates for law reform in this area. His teacher is concerned about Graham’s political beliefs and tells the principal, who suspends him because of his views.
Where can discrimination occur?
Discrimination is against the law when it occurs in an area of public life such as clubs, schools and shops, or in the workplace.