Begin forwarded message:

From: XXXXX
Date: 28 November 2011 4:44:28 PM
To: Complaints Info
Subject: Re: ONLINE ENQUIRY FORM [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

Hi E,

Unfortunately as I suspected – thank you very much for your reply.

Regards,
XXXXX

———-

On 28/11/2011, at 1:27 PM, “Complaints Info” wrote:

Dear XXXXX,
 
I refer to your email dated 27 November 2011, regarding MasterCard International and Visa.
 
You say MasterCard International and Visa are refusing to process your donation to Wikileaks due to political reasons. You query whether this is a ground of discrimination this Commission covers.
 
Discrimination is defined in section 3 of the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth) (the AHRCA) as any act of distinction, exclusion or preference which has the effect of nullifying or impairing equality of opportunity or treatment in employment or occupation which is made on the basis of, in this case, political opinion. To pursue a complaint of discrimination on the basis of your political opinion under the Act, you need to demonstrate that you were not given equality of opportunity or treatment in employment because of your political opinion.
 
As you appear to be raising concerns about political opinion discrimination in the provision of goods and services, not in the area of employment, it does not appear the Commission’s Complaint Handling Section can assist you with the issues you are raising as this is not an area which is covered under the Commission’s laws.
 
Should you have any further queries, please advise by return email or call our Complaint Information Line on 1300 656 419.
 
Kind regards,
 
E
Complaint Information Officer
Complaint Handling Section
Australian Human Rights Commission
 
Level 3, 175 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001
T XXXXX   F XXXXX
E complaintsinfo@humanrights.gov.au W http://www.humanrights.gov.au
Human rights: everyone, everywhere, everyday
 
 
—–Original Message—–
From: Complaints Info
Sent: Monday, 28 November 2011 11:39 AM
To: Complaints Info
Subject: FW: ONLINE ENQUIRY FORM [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
 
E, please advise writer of Commission’s jurisdiction. Only cover political beliefs in area of employment only. Thanks AG 28/11/11
 
—–Original Message—–
From:
Sent: Sunday, 27 November 2011 5:16 PM
To: Complaints Info
Subject: ONLINE ENQUIRY FORM
 
Below is the result of your feedback form.  It was
submitted by  () on Sun Nov 27 16:16:17 EST 2011
———————————————————
contact_name:  XXXXX
____________________________________________
 
Enquiry State:  XXXXX
____________________________________________
 
txtEmail:  XXXXX
____________________________________________
 
Details of your enquiry2:  Another type of discrimination
____________________________________________
 
DESCRIPTION:  Hi,
I have what is probably a very unusual question for you. I feel I have identified and am experiencing discrimination for political reasons but I am unsure if this would be part of your jurisdiction. The scenario is, that I would like to make donations to an organisation called Wikileaks using my MasterCard credit card. I cannot do so because MasterCard International (and Visa) are refusing to process donations to Wikileaks for political reasons. I would like to know if I have any recourse in this situation for discrimination based on political reasons/infringement on my human rights.
Any information/advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
XXXXX
____________________________________________
 
Enquiry method to receive info:  Electronic
____________________________________________
 
Submit:  SUBMIT YOUR ENQUIRY
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