The Western Australian government has proposed major changes to the state's anti-discrimination laws, aiming to prevent religious schools from dismissing teachers or expelling students because of their sexuality. The proposed legislation would also strengthen protections for students with disabilities and expand safeguards for other groups who experience discrimination.

Announced by Attorney General Tony Buti on 20 October 2026, the reforms would rewrite the state's Equal Opportunity Act. The government describes the proposal as the most significant overhaul of Western Australia's anti-discrimination laws in more than 40 years.

Under the proposed changes, religious schools would no longer be able to dismiss teachers or expel students on the grounds of their sexual orientation. Schools would also be prohibited from rejecting students because of a disability. However, religious institutions would retain the ability to make certain decisions based on a person's religion.

Protection for LGBTQIA+ students and staff The proposal is intended to improve protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and other LGBTQIA+ people in religious educational settings.

Supporters argue that a person's sexuality should not prevent them from accessing education or maintaining employment. The reforms would aim to ensure that students can attend school and staff can continue working without facing discrimination because of their sexual orientation.

The changes would also address concerns about the treatment of LGBTQIA+ people in institutions where religious beliefs influence employment and admission policies. Stronger disability protections The legislation would expand protections for people with disabilities, including children who require reasonable adjustments to participate in education.

Felicity Creagh, a mother of two autistic children, welcomed the proposed reforms. She said stronger legal protections could help families feel heard and improve the chances that their children receive appropriate accommodations.

The proposal is particularly relevant to families seeking suitable educational support, because exclusion or inadequate accommodations can affect a student's ability to participate fully in school life. Other groups covered by the proposed reforms The changes would extend beyond sexuality and disability. The government also intends to strengthen protections for people who are homeless, affected by domestic violence, pregnant or breastfeeding, or involved in union activities.

The broader approach is intended to make the state's discrimination laws more comprehensive and better suited to current social and workplace circumstances. Political response and next steps Premier Roger Cook said people should not face discrimination or abuse because of their race, religion, sexuality or disability. Attorney General Buti said the proposed changes would focus religious exemptions on religion itself rather than allowing discrimination based on other characteristics.

The opposition has said it will carefully examine the bill once it is introduced in Parliament. Shadow Attorney General Nick Goiran indicated that the opposition would consult affected groups and scrutinise the details of the proposed legislation.

The bill was expected to be introduced in the Western Australian Parliament on Wednesday, 21 October 2026. Until the legislation is passed and takes effect, the announced changes remain a proposal rather than law.

If enacted, the reforms could change how religious schools make decisions about staff recruitment, student admissions and disciplinary action. They could also provide clearer avenues for people who believe they have experienced unlawful discrimination.

The debate is likely to continue as parliamentarians and affected communities examine the balance between religious freedom, equal treatment and access to education.