Equality & Discrimination

It is unlawful to discriminate against someone based on their:

• Race
• Age
• Gender Reassignment
• Disability
• Marriage and Civil Partnership
• Pregnancy and Maternity
• Religion and Belief
• Sex
• Sexual Orientation

For example the police cannot stop and search someone simply because they are a young black male; there must be an objective reason.

It is also unlawful to treat someone the same, when they need to be treated differently because of their status where that disadvantages them. So, for example refusing to provide a lift, where that prevents disabled prisoners in wheelchairs accessing facilities, is unlawful.

It is unlawful to victimise people because they have complained of discrimination. Public bodies also have to take active steps to promote equality, prevent discrimination and promote good relations between different groups, and to make policies and decisions accordingly.

Our civil liberties team has succeeded in many challenges brought on behalf of people who have been discriminated against. If you believe you have been discriminated against, we can assist you in getting financial compensation and, in certain cases, from getting public bodies to change their decisions or policies so that people will no longer be disadvantaged.

Challenging large institutions

Our cases include:

• Successfully challenging the police for stopping and searching people due to their race
• Taking action against the prison service for failing to protect a homosexual prisoner from assault by homophobic inmates
• Suing an immigration detention centre for racial discrimination
• Getting a school to apologise and train all relevant staff after it excluded a pupil suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder for reasons connected with his disability.

Our team understands the legal complexities of these cases and has experience in challenging all kinds of bodies from local authorities and the police to government departments and private companies (such as G4S and Serco). We know how daunting it can be for an individual taking on a large institution. We also understand how difficult it can be to come forward and talk about what has happened, particularly when people have been deeply humiliated and upset by their treatment, and when all fault is strongly denied. We are experienced at providing support and advice every step of the way.

Our Civil Liberties & Human Rights Solicitors are backed by four decades of experience and have a strong track record of achieving favourable client outcomes. For expert legal advice use our contact form or call us on 0808 231 6369 today.