Sexual orientation

Since 2003, Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) workers have had legal protection from discrimination at work under the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003.

In December 2005, civil partnerships for same sex couples became legal. Once same sex couples have entered onto a civil partnership, the couple have the same legal rights and responsibilities as married couples.

The Equality Act 2006 gave the Government powers to introduce regulations outlawing discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation with regards to access to goods, facilities and services. This means that service providers from hotels to GPs, shops to local authorities cannot refuse to serve (LGB) people.