Personal association


In Victoria it is against the law to discriminate against you because you are personally associated with someone who has a protected characteristic.

Examples of personal association discrimination

Julia applies for a senior financial management position with a major bank. She is refused the job and told that the bank is a conservative body and is uncomfortable with the fact that her brother is a trade union official.

Renske is harassed and bullied at school because a newspaper prints an article that says her mother has HIV. The school fails to stop the bullying and Renske eventually leaves the school.

Where can discrimination occur?


Find out more about general places of discrimination or learn more specifically about personal association discrimination in employment

Are there any exceptions?




Make a complaint to the Commission


To make a complaint:

Find out more about making a complaint.

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