Sexual orientation discrimination

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  SO01: What legislation governs sexual orientation discrimination?

  The principal legislation governing sexual orientation discrimination from 1 October 2010 is the Equality Act 2010. This represents the most significant overhaul of...
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  SO02: What is the definition of 'sexual orientation' for the purposes of the sexual orientation discrimination legislation?

  The relevant provisions of the Equality Act 2010 (which came into force on 1 October 2010) sets out a number of protected characteristics including...
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  SO03: What types of sexual orientation discrimination claim can a claimant make against an employer?

  For a general explanation of the types of discrimination claim see our Discrimination FAQs. Examples of the different forms of discrimination in a sexual orientation context are...
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  SO04: How can an employer justify or defend a claim of sexual orientation discrimination?

  Whether an employer can attempt to justify or defend a claim of sexual orientation discrimination depends upon the precise nature of the claim being brought...
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  SO05: Can a sexual orientation discrimination claim arise if an employer does not know about an employee's sexuality?

  Yes, a sexual orientation discrimination claim can arise even if an employer does not know about an employee’s sexuality. The crucial point is that...
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  SO06: Can an employer with strongly held religious beliefs refuse to employ an employee on the grounds of their sexual orientation?

  No, an employer with strongly held religious beliefs cannot refuse to employ an employee on the grounds of their sexual orientation. There have been a number of tribunal cases arising...
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  SO07: Is there case law guidance on the amount of compensation an employer will have to pay an employee who succeeds in a sexual orientation discrimination claim?

  The potential award of compensation to people who face discrimination on grounds of their sexual orientation is...
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  SO08: If there is an equal opportunities policy in place is there anything else an employer should do to deal with prejudice banter or heterosexual machismo in the workplace?

  Many cases to date involving sexual orientation and indeed sex discrimination have occurred in workplaces where a certain atmosphere or culture appears to prevail or...
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  SO09: Is it necessary to require new employees to complete a form specifying their single or partnership status following the Civil Partnerships Act 2004?

  From December 2005 as a result of the Civil Partnerships Act 2004 same-sex couples who are aged 16 have been able to obtain legal recognition of their relationship by...
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  SO10: Are there any future developments expected in the area of sexual orientation discrimination?

  Some further developments are expected in the area of sexual orientation discrimination. The Equality Act 2010 has replaced numerous pieces of legislation, including...