Fact sheet

Fact Check: Scott Morrison says businesses can refuse entry to unvaccinated patrons without falling foul of discrimination laws. Is that correct?

Conflict of laws Immunisation Consumer behaviour Discrimination Australia
Description

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says businesses can refuse entry to unvaccinated patrons without falling foul of discrimination laws.

Experts told Fact Check that businesses have the right to set conditions of entry to their premises, including a requirement to be vaccinated. It's also correct that an unvaccinated person would not be directly protected under discrimination laws at a Commonwealth, state or territory level.

However, experts told Fact Check that there was a potential for instances of unlawful indirect discrimination should businesses impose a blanket ban and fail to provide exceptions to those who are unable to be vaccinated on medical or age-based eligibility grounds, or those who had not yet had access to the vaccine.

Verdict: Mr Morrison's claim is not the full story.

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