What Is Sexual Orientation Discrimination?
Sexual orientation discrimination occurs when you are treated differently or unfairly because of your sexual orientation.
Because sexual orientation is a protected characteristic under the law, specifically the Equality Act 2010, it means that it is unlawful to discriminate against someone on the basis of their sexual orientation.
We understand that sexual orientation discrimination can be an incredibly distressing experience and you might not know how to respond.
Any discrimination is tricky to deal with and sexual orientation is a protected characteristic, which means that if you’re treated unfairly because of your sexual orientation, it’s illegal.
And it means you can act on it, and there are specific protections in place.
To be connected to a specialist discrimination solicitor near to where you live or work, please either call us now on 0845 1391399 or complete a Free Online Enquiry.
Different Types Of Sexual Orientation
Unfair treatment because of a protected characteristic is illegal, and sexual orientation comes under that category.
The protected characteristics include;
- Age
- Race
- Gender reassignment
- Being married or in a civil partnership
- Sex
- Religion or belief
- Being pregnant or on maternity leave
- Sexual orientation
Whether it’s in the workplace or anywhere else, unfair treatment because of your sexual orientation is illegal.
ALL sexual orientations are protected by law, which includes those who are heterosexual as well as those who identify as LGBTQ+, which stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning or more.
It’s also worth knowing that sexual orientation discrimination doesn’t have to be deliberate for it to be illegal and classed as discrimination.
How To Prevent Sexual Orientation Discrimination
The onus should never be on you to prevent sexual orientation discrimination.
You have a right NOT to be discriminated against for any protected characteristic, and if you’ve been treated unfairly, then this is classed as discrimination. If this is the case, you should speak to a sexual orientation discrimination solicitor as soon as possible.
Sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace can be difficult to deal with from many aspects, and it’s not a pleasant experience. This is why it’s so important that your case is dealt with sensitively by your solicitor to help you achieve a positive outcome.
Direct Or Indirect Sexual Orientation Discrimination
Direct sexual orientation discrimination occurs when you’re treated unfavourably because of your sexual orientation.
It might be that you’ve been overlooked for a promotion over a less experienced or qualified colleague because of your sexual orientation or you’re specifically not given a shift, for example.
Indirect sexual discrimination, on the other hand, is where policies and procedures exclude you because of your sexual orientation.
It means that while actions and behaviour might not be directed specifically to you, you might not be being given the same opportunities that people who identify with a different sexual orientation are.
When Is Sexual Orientation Discrimination Lawful?
Sexual orientation is NOT ever lawful in the UK. There are no circumstances where it’s deemed acceptable.
In fact, it’s one of the specific characteristics that the Equality Act 2010 protects.
Making A Sexual Orientation Discrimination Claim
At Solicitors Near Me, we know how important it is to deal with your sexual orientation discrimination case.
We know that dealing with an issue where you’ve been discriminated against is challenging, especially when it relates to your sexual orientation.
That’s why we’re here to simplify the legal part of the process as much as we can, by connecting you with an expert employment discrimination solicitor near you for FREE so that you can get the help and advice you need.
You’re under no obligation to press ahead with the solicitor we connect you with and until you decide to proceed, everything is completely FREE.
To be connected to a specialist discrimination solicitor near to where you live or work, please either call us now on 0845 1391399 or complete a Free Online Enquiry.
