Equality, diversity and human rights >
Religion or belief discrimination
Ever since religion and belief discrimination was introduced in 2003, a potential conflict of rights has been brewing under the surface, says consultant editor Darren Newman. What if employees express beliefs related to protected characteristics - such as sexual orientation and gender reassignment - that may be upsetting or offensive to others?
Two recent high-profile rulings have something important to say about direct religion or belief discrimination. However, both deal with a controversial topic - how an employer should deal with an employee who does not accept its approach to trans rights - so it is easy to miss that lying behind the controversy an important legal principle is being fought over, says consultant editor Darren Newman.
Consultant editor Darren Newman looks at the criteria applied by employment tribunals in recent cases to determine the sort of philosophical beliefs that should be protected by the Equality Act 2010.
Ethical veganism, democratic socialism, humanism and a refusal to lie to customers are among the eclectic list of beliefs that have come before courts and tribunals as potential "philosophical beliefs" under equality legislation. We round up which non-religious beliefs have been found to be protected under the Equality Act 2010.
Widespread environmental protests, such as the Extinction Rebellion, are having an increasing everyday impact on employers. We round up potential issues for HR professionals who are dealing with disruption to their employer's operations as a result of climate change protests.
Commentary and insights: HR and legal information and guidance relating to religion or belief discrimination.