Acts Amendment (Lesbian and Gay Law Reform)

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
  • recognised same sex de facto relationships for the first time for transfer or property, health legislation and inheritance
  • recognising the rights of same sex partners in relation to medical treatment, inheritance and matters arising on the death of a partner
  • allowed sex couples adopt children
  • improved access to IVF for medically infertile lesbian couples