You have the right to be free from harassment in the workplace

Being harassed at work because you're gay or lesbian can be a very unpleasant and distressing experience.

Examples of workplace harassment

• Demeaning, belittling or abusing someone because they're gay or lesbian
• Jokes (including practical jokes) or taunts based on a person's sexuality
• Ignoring, isolating or segregating a person because they're gay or lesbian
• Displaying and circulating homophobic material such as posters, cards, graffiti, email, letters, videos, cartoons, and screensavers

Workplace harassment is against the law

It's against the law in NSW to discriminate against, vilify, harass or victimise a person because they're gay or lesbian or because of their HIV/AIDS status. To discriminate against someone means to treat them unfairly or badly because they belong to a particular group. However, under current NSW law, private schools, religious organisations and businesses that employ less than five people are exempt from the law and so are able to discriminate on the basis of sexuality.

Find out more

Our Factsheet on harassment in the workplace includes:

• Examples of workplace harassment
• Discrimination and the law
• Tips on dealing with harassment at work
• How to proceed if you are dismissed, threatened with dismissal or forced to resign