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I saw an advertisement for lingerie on television last night which really offended me. I thought it was sexist and demeaned women. Can I complain to the Equal Opportunity Commission about this?

The Equal Opportunity Act does not cover advertisements for products or events. It only covers employment advertisements and advertisements about the way goods and services are provided. If you are offended by the content of product advertisements you can complain to the media outlet concerned, or to the Advertising Standards Bureau.

 

I heard an advertisement on the radio for a night club which said that women could get in for $15 while men had to pay $30. Isn't this sex discrimination?

It is an offence under the Equal Opportunity Act to advertise an intention to discriminate unless you have an exemption from the Equal Opportunity Tribunal to do so. The advertisement you heard could therefore be discriminatory and both the club and the radio station could be liable.

 

Related information

Types of discrimination: sex
Places of discrimination: advertising, employment, goods & services
Exceptions to the rules
Advertising Standards Bureau website