The Wire

The Government has proposed big changes to federal anti-discrimination laws. The changes are expected to make it easier to mount a discrimination case, with the burden of proof being shifted to some extent on to those being sued to show that any discrimination was justifiable. Discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation will now be covered under federal law. These forms of discrimination were previously covered only at the state level. This will also give the human rights commission more scope to investigate these forms of discrimination.