Bylaw 5: Code of Conduct

Miscellaneous Bylaws
1

(Management Committee Resolution: M-2026-M2-M4)

Code of Conduct

1. Purpose

BTQ activities exist to support the association’s objects and to provide safe, welcoming, and productive spaces for members and guests. This Code of Conduct sets clear expectations for behaviour and safety, and explains how concerns will be handled.

2. Scope

This Code of Conduct applies to all BTQ members, guests, invitees, speakers, volunteers, contractors, and observers (“attendees”) at BTQ activities, including (but not limited to):

  • the BTQ online forum,

  • meetings (including general meetings and committee-led meetings),

  • public events, presentations, and forums,

  • social gatherings organised under BTQ auspices, and

  • site visits, inspections, tours, and other invitation-only or host-controlled activities.

Where an activity is held at a venue or on premises controlled by another organisation, the host/venue rules apply in addition to this Code of Conduct. If requirements conflict, the stricter requirement applies, particularly for safety.

3. Core expectations

Attendees must:

  • act respectfully, safely, and lawfully at all times;

  • treat others with courtesy and professionalism;

  • follow directions from BTQ Management Committee members and their delegates (including event organisers and safety delegates);

  • follow host/venue rules and directions from host/venue personnel;

  • take care for their own safety and the safety of others; and

  • avoid conduct that could reasonably bring BTQ into disrepute.

BTQ expects attendees to:

  • participate in good faith and with proper purpose;

  • contribute constructively to the purpose of the activity; and

  • critique ideas, proposals, and actions rather than attacking individuals.

4. Respectful participation

BTQ values robust discussion and disagreement. Attendees are expected to:

  • allow others to speak and participate;

  • accept that even after extensive dialogue, reasonable people can disagree on a topic;

  • keep criticism focused on the issue, not the person;

  • avoid personal attacks, repeated antagonising behaviour, or “dogpiling”; and

  • respect reasonable requests to move on, de-escalate, or take a break.

5. Safety and host/venue compliance

Safety is non-negotiable. Attendees must:

  • comply promptly with safety directions and signage;

  • comply with any inductions, briefings, PPE requirements, and restricted-area rules;

  • not interfere with operations, staff, equipment, or safety systems; and

  • report hazards, near misses, injuries, or safety concerns to the BTQ Management Committee or their delegates and (where applicable) the host/venue as soon as possible.

6. Unacceptable conduct

Unacceptable conduct includes (without limitation):

  • harassment, bullying, intimidation, stalking, or aggressive behaviour;

  • discrimination or vilification based on any protected attribute (including sex, gender identity, sexuality, race, ethnicity, disability, age, religion, or political belief);

  • sexual harassment, unwelcome sexual attention, or sexist behaviour;

  • threats of harm, intimidation, or violence (including pushing, blocking, or deliberately crowding someone);

  • publishing another’s identity without their consent (‘doxxing’);

  • persistent disruption, heckling, or refusal to follow reasonable directions;

  • reckless, unsafe, or unlawful behaviour, including ignoring safety directions or host/venue rules;

  • intoxication or impairment that affects safety, disrupts the activity, or makes others feel unsafe; and

  • any conduct that creates, or has the potential to create, a hazard or significant safety risk.

7. Photography, audio/video recording, and privacy

  • Do not record audio or video, or take photographs, at any non-public or invitation-only BTQ activity (including site visits) without express permission from:

  • the BTQ Management Committee or their delegates; and

  • the organiser/host/venue (where applicable).

  • Even where recording is permitted, attendees must respect privacy requests and must not record individuals who do not consent where consent is reasonably expected (for example, during private discussions or in controlled workplaces).

  • Any approved recording must comply with host/venue conditions, other BTQ policies, and applicable laws.

8. Reporting concerns and seeking support

If you feel unsafe, harassed, or concerned by someone’s conduct:

  • speak privately to a member of the Management Committee or a nominated delegate at the activity; and/or

  • email [email protected] as soon as practical with what happened, when/where, and who was involved (if known).

If there is an immediate safety risk:

  • contact venue/site security or emergency services first, then notify the BTQ delegate as soon as possible.

BTQ will take reports seriously and, as far as practical, handle them discreetly and with procedural fairness. BTQ may need to share information with a host/venue or authorities where safety, legal obligations, or host requirements apply.

9. Response and enforcement

BTQ may take immediate action where necessary to protect safety, ensure orderly conduct, or comply with host/venue requirements. Actions may include:

  • a private warning and direction to stop the behaviour;

  • requiring an attendee to take a break or move to a different area;

  • limiting participation (for example, pausing questions or ending a discussion);

  • directing an attendee to leave the activity or premises immediately;

  • restricting registration for future activities; and/or

  • reporting conduct to the host/venue, security, or police where appropriate.

If an attendee’s continued presence causes, or has the potential to cause, a hazard or significant safety risk, they may be instructed to leave by a member of the Management Committee or their delegates.

Serious or repeated breaches may also result in disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion, in accordance with section 10 of the BTQ Constitution.

10. Conduct outside of BTQ

Disagreements that occur outside BTQ spaces should remain outside BTQ spaces. If you fear for your safety or the safety of others due to a person’s conduct (whether on or off BTQ channels), raise it privately with the Management Committee, including by emailing [email protected].

11. Acknowledgement

Attendance at a BTQ activity constitutes agreement to comply with this Code of Conduct, host/venue rules, and any lawful and reasonable directions given by BTQ delegates or host/venue personnel.

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