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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
In Gordon, part of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), the Same-Sex and LGBT laws are progressive and supportive of the community rights. Australia legalized same-sex marriage through the passage of the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status is also illegal under the Sex Discrimination Amendment (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex Status) Act 2013. This means that individuals and couples in the LGBT community have the same rights and legal protections as everyone else, including in areas like marriage, employment, housing, and healthcare.
While the laws are supportive, you may still need legal assistance in several situations. For instance, if you're seeking a legal name or gender change on official documents, navigating family law in same-sex marriages especially when it comes to adoption or surrogacy, resolving disputes related to discrimination in your workplace or dealing with disputes related to the division of assets in a same-sex divorce. A lawyer can guide you through these complex processes and ensure your rights are protected.
The ACT, where Gordon is located, has several local laws which are beneficial for the LGBT community. The ACT was the first Australian jurisdiction to recognise same-sex couples as 'de facto' relationships. It is also the only jurisdiction to have passed a law that allows for the recognition of sex and gender diverse people in a way that is consistent with how individuals live and identify, through the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration (Amendment) Act 2013.
Legal protections against discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status exist in employment, education, housing, services and public spaces.
Yes, same-sex marriage became legal across Australia in December 2017 following a nation-wide postal vote.
Yes, same-sex couples can legally apply for joint adoption in the Australian Capital Territory, which includes Gordon.
Yes, same-sex couples have equal access to IVF treatments and altruistic surrogacy in the Australian Capital Territory.
Yes, the Australian Capital Territory allows individuals to change their legal gender without any surgery or hormonal treatment requirements.
For additional resources, consider reaching out to national organizations like the National LGBTI Health Alliance or ACON, a health organization specializing in health issues for sexually diverse people and gender diverse people. Locally, you may reach out to the ACT Human Rights Commission for any discrimination-based disputes.
If you find yourself in need of legal assistance, contact a lawyer with a reputation for handling LGBT issues. Prepare all important documentation related to your matter before your appointment to assist your lawyer in understanding and advising you on your legal situation.
