Exemption from sex discrimination laws for services provided exclusively for women
Sex Discrimination Amendment (Sex-based Rights) Bill 2026
Private Member's Bill1st House
2nd House
Law
Introduced by: Alison Penfold (NAT)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
Providers of activities or services exclusively for women are exempt from certain sex discrimination laws; this includes women's shelters, prisons, and sporting activities.
The law defines sex as the biological classification of male or female based on reproductive roles; it looks at chromosomes, hormones, and genitalia present at birth.
The law defines a woman as a member of the female sex; it defines a man as a member of the male sex.
Gender identity is defined as a person's self-classification of their identity; this can be expressed through appearance or medical intervention.
Intersex status is defined as having genetic or hormonal differences of sexual development.
Sexual orientation is defined as attraction to people of the same sex, the opposite sex, or both.