Victory for Gay Male Sex Worker in Legal Battle Against Humiliation

Matthew Roberts, a gay male sex worker and advocate for sex workers’ rights, has recently won a discrimination case against two Australian financial service providers, Mint Payments and First Data Merchant Solutions Australia. This victory not only secured justice for Mr. Roberts but also set a precedent to protect other sex workers in the industry from facing discrimination through “debanking”.

The term “debanking” refers to the practice of financial institutions cutting off services such as accounts, loans, or payment processing to individuals or businesses based on their profession or occupation. In Mr. Roberts’ case, he had been using an EFTPOS machine to process payments for his clients without any issues until Mint Payments changed their partner company to First Data Merchant Solutions Australia.

When Mr. Roberts attempted to reapply for the EFTPOS machine, he faced judgment and prejudice regarding his occupation as a sex worker. Despite being honest about his profession, he was ultimately informed that he was “banned” from using their services due to contractual terms and conditions with their acquirers.

With the support of Maurice Blackburn, Mr. Roberts filed a discrimination case against both companies, highlighting the importance of treating sex work seriously, especially in states where it has been decriminalized like Victoria, NSW, and Queensland. The case emphasized the need for financial service providers to adhere to anti-discrimination laws and ensure fair treatment of sex workers.

The resolution of the case in late 2023 required both companies to refrain from restricting services to individuals engaged in lawful sex work and to train their staff on discrimination laws. Mr. Roberts emphasized that the case was not about monetary compensation but about driving cultural and policy change within the financial services industry to prevent future instances of discrimination.

Mr. Roberts hopes that his case will spark a cultural shift in how sex workers are perceived and treated in Australia, ultimately addressing the safety concerns that arise from debanking practices. By standing up for his rights and the rights of others in the industry, Mr. Roberts has made a significant impact in the fight against discrimination and financial exclusion faced by sex workers.