What does the Sex Discrimination Act mean for sporting clubs, according to the guidelines?
Guideline- Australia
- Sport Australia
- Trans and gender diverse inclusion
- All ages
- 2019 guidelines
- Club committees
Section 4 of the guidelines says:
- Direct discrimination is treating someone less favourably because of their sex or gender identity, or a characteristic generally associated with it, in circumstances that are the same or not materially different.
- Indirect discrimination is a condition or practice that applies to everyone but disadvantages a particular sex or gender identity and is not reasonable. Reasonableness considers the extent of the disadvantage, whether it can be overcome, and whether it is proportionate.
- Discrimination is unlawful in providing goods, services and facilities, and in club membership and benefits, unless an exemption or special measure applies. Requesting information for the purpose of discriminating is also unlawful.
- Examples given as likely unlawful are refusing a trans woman's membership application, and a venue that unlocks only the men's changeroom for a team with trans and non-binary players.
Added 24 Oct 2026