What is gender identity vilification?
Gender identity vilification happens when a person, or group of people, incites hatred towards, serious contempt for, or severe ridicule of another person, or group of people, based on their gender identity, by a public act.
That hatred can be spread publicly in a number of ways, including by verbal abuse, or in writing, or displayed on signage, or posted on the internet and social media.
Vilification is against the law, and in some cases it can also be a criminal offence.
If you believe that you have been the victim of gender identity vilification, it is important that you seek urgent legal advice.
Definitions
Gender identity means that a person identifies as a member of the opposite gender by living or seeking to live as a member of that gender, or is of indeterminate gender and seeks to live a member of a particular gender.
A public act is any form of communication to the public, such as speaking, writing, printing, displaying notices and messages on the internet and social media.
It also includes conduct observable by the public, including actions, gestures, wearing or display of clothing, signs, flags, emblems or insignia.
Incite means to urge on, stimulate or prompt action.
Hatred is an extreme or intense dislike or detestation.
Contempt is the attitude that someone is worthless or of little account, that involves looking down upon or treating that person as inferior.
Ridicule is to make fun of, deride or laugh at.
How we can help
If you have experienced vilification based on your gender identity, our team of employment lawyers and industrial advocates at Discrimination Claims can help.
We can represent you in the Human Rights Commission or any other relevant court or tribunal.
We are specialists at negotiating significant sums of compensation for those who have been subjected to gender identity vilification.
Make no mistake, we will fight for you until we achieve the outcome that you are looking for.
Look after yourself
Vilification can affect people in different ways.
It is very important to look after your health and safety and your well being.
If someone is making physical threats against you or your property, contact the police immediately by calling Triple 0.
If you are feeling anxious or depressed, make sure that you talk to someone.
Speak to a friend or you can make an appointment to see your doctor.
Lifeline 13 11 14
1800RESPECT 1800 737 732
QLife 1800 184 527
Beyond Blue 1300 223 636
MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
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LAST UPDATED: January 2023