Best Same Sex & LGBT Lawyers in Melbourne

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Forte Family Lawyers

Forte Family Lawyers

Melbourne, Australia

Founded in 1992
11 people in their team
OUR EXPERIENCEForte Family Lawyers is a leading Melbourne family law firm. Its partners, Jacky Campbell, Wendy Kayler-Thomson, Rose Lockie, Jason...
English
Glezer Lanteri & Associates

Glezer Lanteri & Associates

Melbourne, Australia

Founded in 1986
10 people in their team
Family Lawyers MelbourneGlezer Lanteri & Associates Pty Ltd is a premier law firm based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia specialising...
English
Galbally & O'Bryan

Galbally & O'Bryan

Melbourne, Australia

Founded in 1935
15 people in their team
Founded in 1935, Galbally & O’Bryan is one of Victoria’s leading law firms. We have a reputation for providing ethical, high-quality personal...
English
E. P. Johnson & Davies

E. P. Johnson & Davies

Melbourne, Australia

Founded in 1961
38 people in their team
Who we are…Hicks Oakley Chessell Williams is a well-respected law firm whose origins began in 1961 in Mount Waverley, an Eastern suburb of...
English
Hunt & Hunt

Hunt & Hunt

Melbourne, Australia

Founded in 1929
400 people in their team
Hunt & Hunt was established in 1929 by brothers Hector (Bob) and Edward (Ted) Hunt. The firm started out as an insurance and conveyancing law...
English

About Same Sex & LGBT Law in Melbourne, Australia

Same Sex and LGBT law in Melbourne, Australia has significantly evolved over the years recognizing and upholding the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. This advancement includes the legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2017 and the prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status in various areas like employment, housing, and service provision. Despite these progresses, navigating the Australian legal system in issues related to same-sex and LGBT may still be complex and challenging.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are several situations when you might require legal help in relation to Same Sex and LGBT law. These situations include: legal matters regarding same-sex marriage or divorce, adoption and surrogacy rights, changing of gender identity on legal documents, issues of discrimination in various settings, and inheritance matters. A well-versed lawyer in this field can provide necessary guidance, representation, and assist in safeguarding your rights.

Local Laws Overview

The key aspects of local laws relevant to Same Sex and LGBT in Melbourne, Australia comprise parts of Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986, particularly those tackling discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status. Moreover, there is the Marriage Act 1961 which recognises same-sex marriage. Victoria's Equal Opportunity Act 2010 also prohibits discrimination, sexual harassment and victimisation based on sexual orientation, gender identity and other attributes. The Sex Discrimination Amendment (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex Status) Act 2013 and Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Amendment Act 2019 are also significant to the recognition and protection of LGBT rights within the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is same-sex marriage legal in Melbourne, Australia?

Yes, same-sex marriage was legalised in Australia in December 2017 following a nationwide postal survey.

Can I face discrimination based on my sexual orientation or gender identity?

Under the laws of Australia, it is illegal to discriminate against anyone based on their sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status.

Can I change my gender in legal documents in Melbourne, Australia?

Yes, the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Amendment Act 2019 allows individuals to change their gender identity on their birth registration and birth certificate.

Are there laws that protect against LGBT hate crimes in Melbourne, Australia?

Yes, Victoria's Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 has been extended to include protections against vilification based on sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics.

Can same-sex couples adopt children in Melbourne, Australia?

Yes, same-sex couples have been granted the same rights as heterosexual couples when it comes to adoption under the Adoption Amendment (Adoption by Same-Sex Couples) Act 2015.

Additional Resources

The Victoria Law Foundation, Justice Connect, and The Human Rights Law Centre are notable sources for information and assistance in Same Sex and LGBT law. The Victoria Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission can provide advice and facilitate complaint procedures regarding discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation, gender identity and other attributes.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in Same Sex & LGBT, it's essential to consult with a legal professional who has experience in the field. You can approach legal aid clinics or contact the law society of Victoria to obtain a list of lawyers/social justice organisations specialising in Same Sex & LGBT laws. It is also advised to gather all relevant information pertaining to your case before the consultation.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. While we strive to present accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or currentness of the content. Laws and regulations can change frequently, and interpretations of the law can vary. Therefore, you should consult with qualified legal professionals for specific advice tailored to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions you take or fail to take based on any content on this page. If you find any information to be incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will make efforts to rectify it.