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Sexual orientation

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.


    • Age discrimination
    • Employment law
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion

    Friday podcast: HR requirements for public sector contracts, the REC on sex discrimination and Sharon Coleman – discrimination by association

    by Rob Moss 18 Jul 2008
    by Rob Moss 18 Jul 2008

    HR news and analysis including:

    why some employers are disillusioned by the latest duties imposed on them when bidding for...

    • Sexual harassment
    • Constructive dismissal
    • Bullying and harassment

    Gay church worker awarded £35,000 in sexual harassment case

    by Louisa Peacock 16 Jul 2008
    by Louisa Peacock 16 Jul 2008

    A gay church worker who quit his job after less than a year on claims of sexual harassment has been...

    • Military
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion
    • Latest News

    Army chiefs join Stonewall to promote equal rights for gay soldiers

    by Guy Logan 14 Jul 2008
    by Guy Logan 14 Jul 2008

    Army chiefs joined forces with protest group Stonewall to promote equal rights and tolerance of homosexual soldiers.The head of the...

    • Age discrimination
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion
    • Disability

    Equality Bill is a positive move for employers

    by Barbara Follett 3 Jul 2008
    by Barbara Follett 3 Jul 2008

    The new Equality Bill will create a step change in opportunities in modern Britain. Ensuring diversity â€“ both by protecting vulnerable...

    • Age discrimination
    • Bullying and harassment
    • Employment law

    Equality Bill: gagging clauses – will banning them work?

    by Thomas Ince 2 Jul 2008
    by Thomas Ince 2 Jul 2008

    The government White Paper on the Equality Bill was published on 26 June 2008. And although it doesn’t go as...

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

    Equality Bill legal Q and A

    by Richard Kenyon 2 Jul 2008
    by Richard Kenyon 2 Jul 2008

    The Equality Bill promises the biggest shake up in discrimination law since the 1970s. Its provisions will have serious repercussions...

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

    Equality Bill: Never mind the sex, stick to merit

    by Julie Quinn 2 Jul 2008
    by Julie Quinn 2 Jul 2008

    Will the Equality Bill allow employers to effectively tackle the inequalities that still persist in many British workplaces? No. Let’s...

    • Age discrimination
    • Employment law
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion

    Employee reporting let-off for private sector

    by Guy Logan 30 Jun 2008
    by Guy Logan 30 Jun 2008

    Private firms received a let-off when the Equality Bill was laid before Parliament – as stringent transparency measures for employee...

    • Age discrimination
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion
    • Latest News

    First draft of Equality Bill could pave way for positive discrimination

    by Guy Logan 26 Jun 2008
    by Guy Logan 26 Jun 2008

    Harriet Harman will unveil the first draft of the Equality Bill before Parliament today – potentially paving the way for...

    • Sexual harassment
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion
    • Ethics

    Weekly dilemma: transsexual’s rights

    by Personnel Today 10 Jun 2008
    by Personnel Today 10 Jun 2008

    I manage a women-only driving school. I recently discovered one of my new instructors is a transsexual and was formerly...

    • Age discrimination
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion
    • Disability

    Prosecute universities and colleges that flout discrimination law, urges union

    by Louisa Peacock 29 May 2008
    by Louisa Peacock 29 May 2008

    Colleges and universities are failing to write race, gender and disability equality schemes and action plans as required by law,...

    • Age discrimination
    • Employment law
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion

    Overhaul of discrimination laws into Single Equality Bill expected in draft Queen’s Speech

    by Louisa Peacock 14 May 2008
    by Louisa Peacock 14 May 2008

    A major shake-up of discrimination laws is expected to be announced in Gordon Brown’s draft Queen’s Speech today.Brown will outline...

    • Equality, diversity and inclusion
    • Latest News
    • Sex discrimination

    Employers are tackling barriers to sending gay staff abroad

    by Gareth Vorster 21 Apr 2008
    by Gareth Vorster 21 Apr 2008

    Diversity chiefs have insisted they are actively tackling the challenges of sending lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) staff to countries...

    • Age discrimination
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion
    • Disability

    Equality and Human Rights Commission publishes single equality scheme three months late

    by Mike Berry 2 Apr 2008
    by Mike Berry 2 Apr 2008

    The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has finally published its single equality scheme â€“ three months late.All public authorities have...

    • Age discrimination
    • Equality, diversity and inclusion
    • Disability

    Charity calls for business leaders to take up diversity challenge

    by Gareth Vorster 1 Apr 2008
    by Gareth Vorster 1 Apr 2008

    A charity that campaigns to provide a “secure base for Britain’s minority ethnic communities” has called for effective leadership to...

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