Gay Men, Lesbians, Bisexual and Transgender Peoples

In addition to the general information provided on this web site (and other services offered by Legal Aid WA) we have some specific information on

• Unfair Dismissal
• Family Law
• Violence and Harassment

Further legal and other information for same sex attracted and transgender people may also be found at the following:

Gay and Lesbian Community Services - is a WA organisation whose main objective is to provide support and resources that allow people to explore their sexuality. GLCS also act as an advocacy and educational agency for issues relevant to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community

Counselling Line open between 7am - 10pm Ph: 9420 7201 or Freecall: 1800 184 527

If require immediate assistance phone Crisis Care Counselling Service (please note it is not a lesbian or gay specific service) 24 Hour service for 9223 1111 or Freecall: 1800 199 008

FPWA Sexual Health Services - offers a range of support, education and counselling services.
For Counselling services, phone 9228 3693 or Freecall: 1800 198 205
The Sexual Health Helpline provides a confidential telephone information and referral service that covers all aspects of sexual and reproductive health and it is operated by FPWA Advanced Practice Nurses.

Phone 9227 6178 Perth metropolitan area
Weekdays 8.30am to 5pm or
Freecall 1800 198 205
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm

Same Sex Domestic Abuse Group (SSDAG) - referral services for other support agencies, and may also provide advocacy, information and education about issues relating to diverse sexualities and/or gender family and domestic abuse. Ph: 0428 958 873.

WA Police Service - for people of diverse sexuality and/or gender the WA Police is committed to reducing violence, crime and fear in the sexually diverse community by improving the relationship between police and the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex communities.

Equal Opportunity Commission - is a State government department committed to working across Government and the community to assist in removing systemic and covert discrimination where it exists.

Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission - Commonwealth government department whose goal is to foster greater understanding and protection of human rights in Australia and to address the human rights concerns of a broad range of individuals and groups.

Lesbian & Gay Law Reform

On 20 September 2002 the law in Western Australia changed. Some of the changes mean that:

• Same sex de facto couples are legal under WA law
• All infertile women can have IVF and other reproductive technologies
• De facto partners of lesbian women who become pregnant and give birth after artificial fertilisation procedures are legally parents
• Same sex de facto couples can use adoption services
• A person can consent to homosexual and heterosexual sex at 16 years old. It is illegal to have sex with anybody less than 18 years old, even if they say yes, if you are caring, supervising or have any authority over them.
• Discrimination because of sexual orientation is illegal

See equalityrules for information sheets from Gay & Lesbian Equality (WA) Inc. and Gay & Lesbian Community Services of Western Australia Inc. about the changes.

These services are not Legal Aid WA services. Legal Aid WA expressly disclaims any liability and responsibility for the advice and information provided by any of these services. There may be other organisations able to provide you with similar advice and information.

Legal content last updated: April 2008