An increasing proportion of wages is paid as superannuation. Denial of equal access to super and other employment benefits means that gay and lesbian workers are, in effect, subsidising the wages of their straight colleagues. However, we are still not recognised in all areas of the law. There is insufficient protection against discrimination Discrimination on the basis of homosexuality has been prohibited in NSW under the Anti-Discrimination Act since 1982. However, the effectiveness of the legislation is undermined by a number of factors.
Exemptions make it lawful for private schools to sack gay and lesbian teachers, for example.
Couple-based discrimination is not specifically covered leading to denial of employment and other benefits. Coverage in the media Coverage of gay men and lesbians and our issues in the media is very uneven in Australia and elsewhere. Most frequently we are not included at all. When we are mentioned it tends to be in breathless and sensational reports of our sexual exploits or wealth or lobbying power. However, lesbian and gay characters are becoming more common and at least Mardi Gras has ensured we are noticed in February.