What is Discrimination?

Discrimination occurs if a person is treated less than favourably than another person is, has been, or would be treated under any of the nine grounds listed below. In the case of equal status, it also applies to someone who is treated less favourably because of associating with someone in the protected categories. Victimisation of a person because of his/her involvement in proceedings under the equality legislation is also covered.

Discrimination is unlawful on nine different grounds

Discrimination is now prohibited in relation to employment and access to goods, services and property on nine distinct grounds:

• Gender
• Marital status
• Family status
• Sexual orientation
• Religious belief
• Age
• Disability
• Race colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins
• Membership of the Traveller community