| As of 1st December 2003, it's illegal for employers to discriminate against their gay workers. New legislation means that lesbian, gay and bisexual employees cannot be treated less favourably than their workmates because of their sexuality. | |
| These new rights protect lesbian, gay and bisexual employees and students from discrimination including bullying and harassment as well as exclusion from employee benefits, training and promotion opportunities. Employers now have to be pro-active in ensuring their gay workers are treated fairly by both management and co-workers. |
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The new legislation has been welcomed by campaign group Stonewall. Chief executive
Ben Summerskill says: "These
new regulations are a huge step forward. Until now,
there has been no protection for an individual suffering
discrimination or harassment at work. Employers could
even get away with sacking someone just because they
were gay."
The new laws aren't perfect though. There are a few exemptions which are being challenged by the trade unions. The TUC are currently co-ordinating a judicial review of provisions in the new law that'll allow discrimination on religious grounds and will deny the same-sex partners of employees the right to benefits given to married partners of staff. An initial hearing is expected early in the new year. Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary, is welcoming the new law but says the exemptions must go: 'These rights are a massive leap towards fairness for lesbian, gay and bisexual employees but we want them to go all the way. It’s a shame to have to go to court to achieve this but we have worked hard for these new rights and we want them to be solid.' So what are your new rights? Check out the TUC's new website which answers issues raised by the new legislation such as: What does the law mean by ‘discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation? Which jobs are covered by the legislation? What if I’m a contractor?
I’m sure I’m being discriminated against because I’m gay. What can I do about it?
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