Sexual Orientation 

The Eqaulity Act 2010

Very simply, the Equality Act 2010 states that sexual orientation is one of the 9 protected personal characteristics. This means it is against the law to discriminate against an individual based on whether they are heterosexual or part of the LGBT+ community. This is sexual orientation discrimination. Here at the LGBT Lawyers, discrimination against sexual orientation is something that we take very seriously.

sexual orientation discrimination  

Discrimination based on your sexual orientation can take many forms. From actively discriminating against someone to passively discriminating in passing, discrimination against LGBT is far too common.

1. Discrimination by perception. 

– This is when someone my discriminate against you because they think you are of a particular sexual orientation when you may not be. 

2. Discrimination by association 

– This is when you find people are being discriminative of you because someone who you are close with is of a particular sexual orientation. For example, if you are a parent, partner child or friend. 

3. Direct discrimination 

– This is when someone is directly discriminating against you because of your sexual orientation. For example, if you are denied entry into a gay bar because you are heterosexual, or vice versa. 

4. Indirect discrimination 

– This is when someone is indirectly discriminating against you because of your sexual orientation. For example, you are a gay man and have always worked behind a bar. One night the manager asks you to organise the cellar instead of serving on the bar, yet you notice that all of the bartenders that night are straight men. This is indirect discrimination. 

5. Harassment  

– This is when someone is actively bullying, antagonising or belittling you in an unprofessional and unfriendly manner because of your sexual orientation.

6. Victimisation  

– This is when you have raised a grievance with the individual who is harassing you. Although they are now leaving you alone, you are now being treated differently to everyone else and are at an even worse disadvantage to where you were before.   

How Can LGBT Lawyers Help You 

Being discriminated against because of your sexual orientation is really personal and uncomfortable thing. Sadly, discrimination based on sexual orientation is really normalised, and doing things like using derogatory language is far too common.

But this doesn’t mean you have to stand for it. You can start by having conversations with people and educate them on why it’s inappropriate to behave this way. However, we are aware that this doesn’t always work. If an employer or employee has discriminated against you, you have a grounds for a legal claim because sexuality is one of the 9 protected characteristics under the Equality Act.

Your lawyer will talk with you and look at all the evidence that is connected with your case. Following this they can have a discussion with you about how you want your case to proceed and what you want to get out of it. Discrimination cases can be really personal, so it’s important that any legal action is tailored to how you want it to be. Its also really important to come forward, so discrimination like this can be stopped in your future. A lawyer will always provide a safe and judgement free environment for you to discuss your opinions and your case.