What is discrimination?
Discrimination means treating someone unfairly or differently because of who they are -like their race, gender, age, religion, or other personal traits - rather than how they behave or what they can do. It happens when people face negative treatment or are denied opportunities simply because of prejudice or stereotypes. Discrimination can occur in everyday situations, like at work, school, or in public spaces, and it goes against the idea that everyone deserves equal respect and chances in life.
Discrimination can take place for the following protected equality groups:
- Men and women;
- Black and minority ethnic groups (which include colour, ethnic origin, race, and nationality);
- Disabled people;
- People of faith and non-faith;
- Age;
- Lesbian, bisexual and gay people;
- Transgender people (about gender reassignment);
- Women who are pregnant or on maternity leave; and
- Marriage and civil partnerships.
Discrimination on this basis is prohibited by the Equality Act 2010. It can take a variety of different forms and you can learn more about equality and discrimination here.