16 August 2011
Computer Pornography Test Case
In a case lodged under the Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act, an employee is asking the Federal Court to decide if exposure to computer-generated pornography at work breaches the Act. The lawyers acting on behalf of the woman see the claim as a test case on whether a woman could sue under the Act when exposed to male colleagues viewing computer pornography at work.
The women’s lawyer asserts that a number of cases have been heard where women have pursued lawful discrimination claims after being exposed to pornographic posters in the workplace and they do not see this case as any different.
The women’s employment has been terminated due to the break down in the employment relationship. The breakdown has been acknowledged by both parties. The outcome of the case is yet to be determined.