Together we can end bullying, harassment, isolation, homophobia,
biphobia and transphobia. Through supportive community structures and increased funding for LGBT+ support services.
Equality is key
Equality is a key priority for UNITE and we are committed to promoting equality and advancing the interests and the working conditions of members.
UNITE opposes all forms of harassment and discrimination, including discrimination against lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and trans people all around the world.
Through the work of LGBT+ activists and trade unions such as UNITE, much progress has been made in the UK in recent years, although there is still more to be done.
But, the situation in many other parts of the world remains nothing short of a disgrace.
Dossier of Disgrace
Around the world people experience violence and discrimination by their families, authorities and others in society because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity
Violations include – but are not limited to – killings, rape and physical attacks, torture, arbitrary detention, the denial of rights to assembly, expression and information, and discrimination in employment, health and education. Even defenders of LGBT+ rights are not immune from these campaigns of abuse and violence
Seventy-two countries have laws that are used to criminalise LGBT+ people, but on a positive level many countries in recent years have repealed such laws
Violence against LGBT+ people is especially vicious compared to other bias-motivated crimes the widely publicised tragedy of the murder of Ugandan LGBT+ activist David Kato and attempts by politicians to introduce a bill further criminalising homosexuality, including threat of the death penalty.
In certain parts of the world horrendous sexual attacks targeted against lesbians and bisexual women is commonplace. Lesbians and bisexual women are at particular risk because of gender inequality and power relations within families and wider society.
On a weekly basis across the world, trans people are being killed and mutilated for no other reason other than that they are trans. The police often do not take these issues seriously and fail to punish the perpetrators. These crimes are committed in developed countries as well as third world countries – with 2,343 TRANS MURDERS recorded worldwide between 2008 and 2016.
As well as LGBT+ murders and attacks, in many countries LGBT+ people are still openly discriminated against in society and at work. The fight for respect and equality for LGBT+ workers does not end at our own borders. Unite, through its international agenda is committed to fighting for LGBT+ rights around the world.
UNITE is raising LGBT+ issues through the TUC, the global union federations and working with sister unions around the world, as well as supporting the work of ILGA, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, to fight back against the discrimination and violence that too many LGBT+ people continue to have to face in their daily lives.
Prejudice hurts
Especially when it leads to harassment and job insecurity. Unite is committed to tackling prejudice and discrimination against lesbians, gay men, bisexual and trans people.
We have successfully worked to bring in laws protecting LGBT+ people at work and will continue to ensure these rights are publicised, enforced, and extended to all areas of the workplace and wider society
Your legal rights
The Equality Act 2010 applies to Great Britain and covers discrimination related to Sexual Orientation, Marriage and Civil Partnership and Gender Reassignment amongst the nine ‘protected characteristics’.
It therefore protects lesbian, gay, bisexual, heterosexual and trans people from the following types of discrimination:
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Direct Discrimination
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Indirect Discrimination
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Discrimination by Association
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Discrimination by Perception
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Harassment by a Third Party and Victimisation.
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Recruitment, selection for promotion, transfer, training and dismissal
Under employment and other areas of work, the legislation covers the following areas:
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Terms of employment, including any employee benefits
In Northern Ireland Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (NI) 2003, Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (NI) 2006,
Gender Reassignment Regulations (NI) 1999 and Sex Discrimination (Amendment of Legislation) Regulations 2008 prohibit LGBT discrimination and harassment. In the Republic of Ireland, the Employment Equality Acts 1998 and 2011 deal with discrimination within employment and amongst nine grounds they include sexual orientation, trans, marriage and civil partnership.
UNITE the union works to:
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Include LGBT+ rights in equal opportunities agreements.
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Ensure that all leave, benefits and pension arrangements are equally available to LGBT+ people and their partners.
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Support individual members at work and in the union, regardless of whether they are ‘out’ or not.
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Challenge homophobia, transphobia and biphobia. Welcome diversity and promote tolerance and mutual respect in the workplace
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Provide representation against all forms of discrimination and harassment.
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Campaign to repeal all laws discriminating against LGBT+ people and establish new rights to guarantee equal treatment for all.
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Promote and develop our networks, regional and national LGBT+ Committees.
If you are interested in campaigning for LGBT+ rights here and around the world join Unite and help us to fight for a better future for all.
Domestic Abuse
click the icon above for details about help and support available to those living in fear of domestic abuse