Check if it's related to a 'protected characteristic' The Equality Act protects you against harassment related to 'protected characteristics' like religion or being disabled. If your harassment is related to pregnancy or maternity, you should take action under harassment relating to your sex. The protected characteristics covered in sections 5 to 12 of the Equality Act are: Age The law covers you for discrimination about being: young or old in a particular age group - like 15-18 or under 60 of a specific age - like 40-year-olds Disability You're covered for a disability you have now and any you've now recovered from.
A disability could be physical or mental - you could be covered even if you don't consider yourself disabled. You should check if your disability is covered by the Equality Act. Disability is defined in section 6 of the Equality Act 2010. Gender reassignment The law covers ‘gender reassignment’ - this means if you’re transgender. You're covered if you: are planning to transition - you don't need to have had any medical treatment are in the process of transitioning have already transitioned If you identify as non-binary but you aren’t transitioning, you might be covered but the law is complicated. You’ll need to get specialist advice before you go any further.
Gender reassignment is defined in section 7 of the Equality Act 2010. Race This includes your: colour - for example if you're black or white nationality ethnic origin - for example if you're a Romany Gypsy national origin - this could be different from your nationality, for example if your family is from India but you have a British passport. If you’re not sure what race means you can read a more detailed description in the EHRC Code of Practice on Employment, chapter 2. Your Right to Report Sexual Misconduct and Harassment 13