Equality and Human Rights Commission

Whatever your sexual orientation, you have a right to be treated equally by local councils and housing providers. Your rights to own and enjoy your property are also set out in the Human Rights Act 1998.

Example

Simon is a bisexual man living in local authority housing. He is in a same-sex relationship with another man, who does not live with him. Simon is being harassed about his sexual orientation by neighbours. He has been verbally abused and his windows have been smashed. He has reported the abuse to his housing officer and has asked to be re-housed, but the council refuses to accept this as a valid reason. The housing officer tells Simon to report any incidents to the police and takes no further action. This is direct discrimination.