What the law says

Since 30 April, anyone who provides goods or services to the public can no longer refuse them on the grounds of their sexual orientation. The Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007 brings the protections of lesbian, gay and bisexual people in line with those on religion, gender, disability and race. Provisions are expected to be inserted in the Sex Discrimination Act this December which will extend similar protections to transgender people.

The Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 protect employees from discrimination because of their actual or perceived sexuality. Discrimination is unlawful in relation to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment, promotions and training, harassment and victimisation, dismissal including redundancy, and post employment including the provision of references.