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Sexual Orientation

The Council must consider whether their policies and procedures respect the sensitivity of an individual's sexual orientation and the importance of maintaining a high level of confidentiality. People of all sexual orientations should feel welcome, safe and respected when dealing with the council, whether as an employee or as a council customer.

Harassment in the Workplace

Any employees that may be experiencing Homophobic harassment from work colleagues and are not yet “Out” and do not wish to “Out” themselves are able to avail themselves of the Authority’s 24hour Confidential Counselling Service called Care First. Call 0800 174319 for a chat with a fully trained Counsellor.

Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003

Since the 1st December 2003, it has been unlawful for an employer to discriminate against workers because of their sexual orientation. The Regulations, which covered employment matters but not service delivery, also covered providers of vocational training.

The Regulations cover: direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation and extend beyond the period of employment to include for example, applications for jobs and either written or verbal references.

The Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007

This new legislation goes further than the 2003 Regulations in that it now outlaws discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation in respect of the following areas:
   

• The provision of goods, facilities and services,
• The disposal and management of premises,
• Education
• The exercise of public functions

Civil Partnerships

Since the 5th December 2005, same-sex partners can bow register themselves as civil partners and get every right and responsibility that straight couples get when they marry.  The new legislation allows same sex partners the same next-of-kin rights, tax and inheritance rights, pension rights and rights in relation to the other partner’s children.

The civil ceremony can be arranged anywhere that has a licence for civil services.  If you would like further information about arranging a ceremony, please contact the Council’s Register Office:-