Harassment related to sexual orientation
Harassment related to sexual orientation, actual or perceived, is illegal under the Equality Act 2010 and is a form of discrimination. Harassment related to sexual orientation can be:
- harassment of someone because of their actual sexual orientation
- harassment of someone because of their perceived sexual orientation
- harassment of someone because of the actual or perceived sexual orientation of those with whom they associate.
The following are some examples of activities that might constitute harassment related to sexual orientation:
- making suggestive or unwelcome comments or gestures emphasising the actual or perceived sexual orientation of an individual or group
- engaging in homophobic or biphobic behaviour
- using homophobic or biphobic language or displaying homophobic or biphobic materials
- making homophobic or biphobic insults or threats
- engaging in banter or making jokes which are degrading to a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation
- outing an individual as lesbian, gay or bisexual without their permission
- ignoring or excluding an individual from activities because they are lesbian, gay or bisexual
- spreading rumours or gossip about an individual’s actual or perceived sexual orientation
- asking an individual intrusive questions about their private life
- making assumptions and judgements about someone based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation
- verbally or physically abusing or intimidating someone because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation