Enjoy music by Christian Lesbian Marsha Stevens. To start, click the triangle on the left. Use double arrows to skip songs. Volume is controlled by dragging mouse over vertical lines on the right. Shuffle songs by clicking "S" to the right of volume lines.
"Employees' Briefing" by the British "Stonewall Guide to Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation)
Regulations" that was written in the wake of EU-Directive 2000/78/EC.
---------------------------------------
Discrimination at work? It's SO over.
New laws mean you don't have to put up with grief over your sexual
orientation. Not anymore.
Tell us about the old days
When Shirley's life as a teacher was made a misery by homophobic pupils
her headteacher told her she would just have to "grit her teeth". It
couldn't happen now.
When Peter found out he wasn't really getting anywhere in his career as
a health worker, he knew it was because he was gay. The clue? He was
getting bullied by his manager. It couldn't happen now.
When Lisa was refused a pass for her partner even though her contract
promised free travel for her "spouse or dependents", it was because her
partner was female. It couldn't happen now.
The treatment that gay men, lesbians and bisexuals have had to swallow
because of their sexual orientation - stuff like sacking, harassment,
fewer perks, lack of promotion, is now over. Finished. Against the
law.
Just make sure you use that law.
With new laws, there are now three sorts of unfair treatment you don't
have to put up with at work.
Direct Discrimination
Anything that is OK for straight employees is now OK for you. If
straight folks are allowed to hold hands at work, for example, so are
you. Obviously, if straight folks aren't allowed to do it, that also
applies to you.
One in 25 lesbians, gay men and bisexuals reckon they've been sacked for
their sexual orientation. Now we don't have to stand for it.
Indirect Discrimination
This means your employer can't hand out goodies ? perks, promotions, you
name it ? to straight employees that you too can't benefit from. If
unmarried partners are invited to a work do, your partner is also
welcome. Automatically.
Almost one in ten lesbians, gay men and bisexuals reckon they've been
turned down for promotion because of their sexual orientation. Now we
don't have to stand for it.
Harassment
Employers or colleagues who think they can make your life hell by
generally creating an atmosphere no lesbian, gay man or bisexual would
want to be in, have got another think coming.
Even if you are not out at work you don't have to stand for it anymore.
One in five lesbians, gay men and bisexuals reckon they have been
harassed because of their sexual orientation. Now they don't have to
stand for it either.
Exceptions
Benefits For Married Couples
So far, pensions and some financial benefits for married (straight)
partners won't automatically be available to gay partners. Good
employers may already provide these.
Occupational Requirements
In theory, there may be some jobs where you have to be straight (or
lesbian, gay or bisexual) to be able to do a job properly. At the
moment, no one can quite think of any.
Organised Religion
In a few rare cases, employers in an organised religion may still refuse
to employ lesbians, gay men and bisexuals if it is at odds with their
convictions. Even so, it's still worth complaining if you?re not being
treated fairly.
So, what are you going to do about it?
Can you talk to your harasser? Could you explain why they are upsetting
you?
If not do you have a decent human resources or personnel manager? Would
anything you say to them be confidential? Find out.
Are you a member of a staff association or trade union? They'll take
your complaint very seriously, will know the legislation inside out and
will do only what you want them to.
Is it easier to talk to a total stranger at your Citizens Advice Bureau
or on a lesbian and gay helpline?
If the worst comes to the worst, there's a tribunal with powers to give
you cash from your employers as compensation for discrimination or
harassment, and there's no limit depending on the seriousness of the
case.
And before you panic, it's also unlawful for an employer to victimise
you if you do decide to make a formal complaint.
That should get it into everyone's heads that discrimination is over.
Forever!
Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Citizens Advice Cymru: 02920 376 750
Citizens Advice Scotland: 0131 550 1000
Community legal Services: www.justask.org.uk 0845 608 1122
Lesbian and Gay Employment Rights: www.lager.dircon.co.uk
Lesbians: 020 7704 8066 Gay Men: 020 7704 8066
Scottish Employment Rights Network: 0131 556 3006
Scottish Association of Law Centres: 0141 440 2503
Stonewall Scotland: 0141 204 0746
Stonewall Cymru: 02920 237 744 or 01248 370 082
Stonewall Tower Building, York Road, London, SE1 7NX,
Info Line: 08000 50 20 20, Office: 0207 593 1850
www.stonewall.org.uk
If you liked this article, please share it. It's easy to do. Give it a try.
||||||||
Note from Mary: The Google Ads at the top and bottom of these pages are supposed to reflect the content within the website, however they are selected by robots so may actually be contrary to ChristianGays.com beliefs and principles. ChristianGays.com does not necessarily endorse the Advertisers, although I'm sure some of them are very good.
