The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 is an Act of the Parliament of Australia which prohibits discrimination on the basis of mainly sexism, homophobia, transphobia and biphobia, but also sex, marital or relationship status, actual or potential pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status or breastfeeding in a range of areas of public life.

These areas include work, accommodation, education, the provision of goods, facilities and services, the activities of clubs and the administration of Commonwealth laws and programs.

The full scope of the Act is covered principally by Section 3B,[3] which seeks "to eliminate, so far as is possible, discrimination against persons on the ground of sex, marital status, pregnancy or potential pregnancy in the areas of work, accommodation, education, the provision of goods, facilities and services, the disposal of land, the activities of clubs and the administration of Commonwealth laws and programs".

[5] Section 38 of the Act[6] permits educational institutions established for religious purposes to discriminate, including against teachers and students, due to their sexuality or gender.

[22] In 2021, religious educational institutions continued to be lawfully permitted to fire or expel LGBTQ+ teachers, students, and staff due to their sexuality or gender.