What is gender reassignment discrimination under the Equality Act 2010?

According to the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful for you to be discriminated against for one or more of the nine protected characteristics:

  • Age;
  • Disability;
  • Gender reassignment;
  • Marriage or civil partnership;
  • Pregnancy and maternity;
  • Race;
  • Religion or belief;
  • Sex;
  • Sexual orientation.

It’s illegal for any fellow employees, or your employer, to make discriminatory comments or display discriminatory behaviour towards you based on your gender reassignment. It’s also a criminal offence if your employer treats you less favourably for this reason, or if they fail to address other employees displaying the same discriminatory behaviour towards you.