The Parliament of Western Australia passes the Acts Amendment (Lesbian and Gay Law Reform) Act 2002. This Act:
- equalised the age of consent to 16 (previously 16 for heterosexual men and 21 for homosexual men)
- prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
- recognised all de facto relationships for transfer or property, health legislation and inheritance
- recognising the rights of de facto partners in relation to medical treatment, inheritance and matters arising on the death of a partner
- allowed de facto couples adopt children
- improved access to IVF for medically infertile lesbian couples
These changes recognise many relationships between same sex couples. Many transgender, non-binary and intersex people’s relationships are also recognised because the Act recognised de facto relationships between any two people.
‘Religious organisations’ are permitted exemptions for discrimination. It was—and still is—legal for religious schools, homeless services, etc., to discriminate on these grounds. (Aged care providers can no longer discriminate because of later, federal protections).