Discrimination Questions

The dictionary defines equality as “the quality of being the same in quantity or measure or value or status”. When the Australian states granted women the vote starting in 1902, Australia started incorporating laws to instil equality into the Australian legal system. Equality in the law however, does not mean the same treatment for all. The purpose of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 is “to promote equality of opportunity for everyone by protecting them from unfair discrimination in certain areas of activity”. Therefore discrimination is allowable in certain areas. Under certain circumstances one can be discriminated against based on sex, age, marital status, religion, the list goes on. Does the anti-discrimination act actually stop discrimination or does it just muddy the waters? Discrimination is exceptable policy in order to promote equality for those who have a disability or being indigenous. However, is this really equality or just a massive contradiction?