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Sexual orientation discrimination

Sexual orientation discrimination legislation has been in place in the UK since 2003. Sexual orientation is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. The law is primarily designed to protect lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) employees and job applicants against direct and indirect sexual orientation discrimination, and harassment and victimisation because of someone's sexual orientation.

However, it is well-established in UK case law that a heterosexual individual can also be subjected to sexual orientation discrimination. For example, this could occur where a homophobic taunt is used towards an individual whom the perpetrator knows is not actually gay (English v Thomas Sanderson Blinds Ltd).

“Gender reassignment” is a separate protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. This means that transgender individuals are also protected against discrimination in the workplace.


    • Sexual harassment
    • Case law
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion

    Consultation launched after Supreme Court ‘sex’ ruling

    by Rob Moss 20 May 2025
    by Rob Moss 20 May 2025

    EHRC launches consultation on updates made to code of practice following last month’s Supreme Court’s judgment on the definition of sex.

    • Equality, diversity and inclusion
    • Gender reassignment discrimination
    • Latest News

    Supreme Court ruling and EHRC latest: how should HR respond?

    by Jo Faragher 28 Apr 2025
    by Jo Faragher 28 Apr 2025

    How should HR teams interpret the recent Supreme Court ruling on the definition of sex, and subsequent update from the Equality and Human Rights Commission?

    • Employment law
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion
    • Latest News

    Union branch wants rights for polyamorous people

    by Rob Moss 9 Apr 2025
    by Rob Moss 9 Apr 2025

    Union branch submits motion to the Scottish Trades Union Congress for polyamory and polyamorous relationships to be protected rights.

    • Belief discrimination
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion
    • Gender

    EDI should not stifle LGB rights in the trans debate

    by Dan James Smith 4 Mar 2025
    by Dan James Smith 4 Mar 2025

    Dan James Smith of the LGB Alliance Business Forum warns that allowing trans ideology in workplace diversity policy has its risks.

    • Belief discrimination
    • Gender
    • Latest News

    LGB Alliance launches Business Forum to ‘restore’ gay rights

    by Rob Moss 5 Feb 2025
    by Rob Moss 5 Feb 2025

    Alliance of LGB business leaders is fighting 'corruption of corporate EDI programmes' with forum to restore fair workplace policies.

    • Equality, diversity and inclusion
    • Latest News
    • LGBT

    Sharp rise in people identifying as gay and bisexual

    by Adam McCulloch 30 Jan 2025
    by Adam McCulloch 30 Jan 2025

    Data is a ‘wake up call’ to those who are rolling back on their commitments to LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion: Stonewall

    • Gender
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion
    • Latest News

    President Trump’s DEI backlash: should HR be worried?

    by Adam McCulloch 24 Jan 2025
    by Adam McCulloch 24 Jan 2025

    Can the DEI agenda survive Donald Trump's attacks and Mark Zuckerberg's comments about the need for more ‘masculinity’?

    • Equality, diversity and inclusion
    • Latest News
    • LGBT

    Employers need role models to attract young LGBTQ+ talent

    by Kavitha Sivasubramaniam 16 Oct 2024
    by Kavitha Sivasubramaniam 16 Oct 2024

    Employers should have relatable role models in leadership positions if they want to attract younger LGBTQ+ workers, according to research.

    • Age discrimination
    • Case law
    • Associative discrimination

    EHRC opens consultation on updated code of practice

    by Rob Moss 2 Oct 2024
    by Rob Moss 2 Oct 2024

    EHRC launches consultation on code of practice for services, public functions and associations, which has been updated in light of case law.

    • Sexual harassment
    • Bullying and harassment
    • Constructive dismissal

    Firefighter to receive more than £55k in harassment and discrimination case

    by Jo Faragher 26 Sep 2024
    by Jo Faragher 26 Sep 2024

    A female firefighter who suffered sexual harassment has successfully sued Avon Fire and Rescue Service for sex discrimination and unfair dismissal.

    • Bullying and harassment
    • Belief discrimination
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion

    Judge urges council to mandate ‘freedom of belief’ training

    by Rob Moss 17 Sep 2024
    by Rob Moss 17 Sep 2024

    Judge recommends e-learning be updated to include freedom of belief training as part of judgment relating to ‘gender-fluid’ dachshund.

    • Bullying and harassment
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion
    • Latest News

    TUC poll: More than half LGBTQ+ workers harassed at work

    by Jo Faragher 28 Aug 2024
    by Jo Faragher 28 Aug 2024

    TUC poll: More than half of LGBTQ+ workers have been bullied or harassed at work, according to research from the union body.

    • Equality, diversity and inclusion
    • Latest News
    • Discrimination

    Two in five LGBTQ+ workers experience discrimination

    by Ashleigh Webber 22 May 2024
    by Ashleigh Webber 22 May 2024

    Two in five LGBTQ+ workers have faced discrimination at work, with many considering quitting their jobs or alternative careers.

    • Sexual harassment
    • Bullying and harassment
    • Employment law

    Non-disclosure agreements have ‘devastating impacts’ on people

    by Adam McCulloch 1 Mar 2024
    by Adam McCulloch 1 Mar 2024

    A new report details the negative consequences for mental health for many of those who feel they have no choice but to sign an NDA.

    • Early careers
    • Latest News
    • Gender reassignment discrimination

    Research: Gen Z wants more recognition for LGBTQ+ workers

    by Adam McCulloch 25 Jan 2024
    by Adam McCulloch 25 Jan 2024

    Three-quarters of Gen Z jobseekers who are LGBTQ+ say they are reluctant to join companies where they can’t be out at work.

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Personnel Today
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