Noord-Ierland

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland have achieved the first settlement of a case assisted by the Commission alleging discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation. The case was brought by Paul Hindley, a gay man, who was employed at Fannin Healthcare Ltd. The company have agreed to pay him £6,000 and to liaise with the Commission in order to review and develop its equality policies and procedures.

“Since the law changed in December 2003 people who face discrimination in their employment on grounds of sexual orientation have the right to challenge that treatment in a Tribunal.” Dame Joan Harbison, Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission, said. “People like Mr. Hindley, who are prepared to take a stand against discriminatory behaviour can help bring about change, not only for their own situation, but for other people in similar circumstances.”

Thirty year old Mr. Hindley, who was employed in sales, complained that he had been forced to resign as a result of severe verbal harassment on the grounds of his sexual orientation. He also alleged that the Company failed to deal effectively with his complaint of discrimination.

The Company, in addition to compensating him, has affirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights of all employees irrespective of gender, religious belief, political opinion, race and/or sexual orientation, to work without intimidation or harassment. They have agreed to liaise with the Equality Commission to review and develop their equal opportunities policies and procedures within a timescale agreed with the Commission.

“Employers have a responsibility to ensure that their employees do not discriminate on the grounds of sexual orientation.” Dame Joan Harbison, Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission said. “Employers need to be proactive and put appropriate policies and procedures in place to ensure that no employee is subjected to harassment of this nature. Where complaints of such harassment are brought to the attention of management they should be dealt with according to procedure in an effective and timely manner.”