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• The Law and You:

Sexuality Discrimination

Prejudice against gay, lesbian and bisexual people is called homophobia. Protection from prejudice based on sexual orientation is now enshrined in law in the UK. Recent equality acts passed by Parliament make it unlawful to discriminate against – amongst others – lesbian, gay and bisexual people in the provision of services ranging from education, to health and social care and on to hotels and restaurants. It is unlawful to deny lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual people jobs because of prejudice. Laws also offer protection from harassment and victimisation on the grounds of sexual orientation.

Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality can relate to many different aspects of life. A practical example might be someone being refused a service because of their sexuality or losing out on a job or promotion because they are gay.

If you would like to talk to someone about any kind of sexuality discrimination or harassment that you have experienced or witnessed, it’s important to know that there are people out there for you to contact. You may wish to talk to a friend, a family member, a teacher or head teacher. You can also get confidential advice from the Equality and Human Rights Commission Helpline Wales at 0845 604 8810.

Contact Details and Links

Name: Equality and Human Rights Commission (Wales Office)
Web: www.equalityhumanrights.com
www.equalityhumanrights.com
Email:
Tel: 029 20447710
Tel: 0845 604 8810 (Equality and Human Rights Commission Helpline Wales)
Textphone: 0845 604 8820 (Wales specific line)
Info: The Equality and Human Rights Commission is charged by law to protect individuals against discrimination, to enforce the laws on equality and to promote fairness and human rights for everyone. The Commission relates to Wales, England and Scotland (but not Northern Ireland.)

Name: Citizens Advice Bureau
Web: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Web: www.adviceguide.org.uk (The page states it relates to England, but it actually covers both Wales and England as the laws are shared.)
Info: Citizens Advice Bureaux provide free, confidential and independent advice from over 3,000 locations including in bureaux, GP surgeries, hospitals, colleges, prisons and courts.

Name: Direct Gov – Sexuality Discrimination pages
Web: www.direct.gov.uk
Info: Directgov is the website of the UK government. It provides information and online services for the public all in one place.

Name: Albert Kennedy Trust
Web: www.akt.org.uk
Email: enquiries@akt.org.uk
Tel: 020 7831 6562
Info: Registered charity set up so that no lesbian or gay teenager need feel alone or unwanted.

Name: Freedom Youth
Web: www.freedomyouth.co.uk
Email:
Tel: 0117 377 3677
Info: Advice and support to young gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender young people aged between 13 and 21.

Name: GLAD – Gay and Lesbian Legal Advice Line
Web:
Email:
Tel: 020 7837 5212
Info: A helpline for gay, bisexual and lesbian people in need of legal advice.

Name: Lesbian and Gay Foundation
Web: www.lgf.org.uk/
Email:
Tel: 0161 235 8035
Info: Direct services and resources to lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

Name: Queer Youth Alliance
Web: www.queeryouth.org.uk/
Email: info@queeryouth.org.uk
Tel: 07092 031086
Info: National organisation that campaigns for equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans young people

Name: Stonewall
Web: www.stonewall.org.uk
Email: info@stonewall.org.uk
Tel: 08000 50 20 20
Info: National lobby group working for legal equality and social justice for lesbians, bisexuals and gay men.

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