Religion or Belief Discrimination Claims

Being discriminated against because of your religion or beliefs is against the law.

If you have suffered discrimination against our expert discrimination solicitors can help you;

1. Create lasting change so other don’t experience what you have, and
2. In some cases, claim compensation

What is Religion or Belief Discrimination?

Discrimination happens when you are

1. Treated unfairly, or
2. Placed at a disadvantage

Because of your religion and/or beliefs or lack of religion or beliefs.

It can be deliberate, unintentional or a policy that affects those who belong to certain religions or beliefs.

What the Equality Act Says About Religion or Belief Discrimination

The Equality Act 2010 protects you from discrimination if you;

• Belong to a large religion like, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism or Judaism
• Belong to smaller religion like Rastafarianism, Paganism or Scientology
• Belong to a specific denomination or sect within a religion. For example, Catholic, Protestant, Sunni, or Shia
• Take part in collective worship
• Have no religion

The law also protects you if you have a philosophical belief or set of beliefs that influences your way of life. For example, if you believe that climate change is man-made and you live in a way to help save the planet.

Types of Religious or Belief Discrimination

There are different types of disability discrimination you could claim for;

Direct Discrimination

This happens when you are treated worse than another person because of your religion or beliefs. For example;

A bank refusing to lend you money because you are Jewish.

Indirect Discrimination

This happens when a company or organisation has a policy or way of working that applies to everyone. But it places people with a who follow a religion or have a certain set of beliefs at a disadvantage. For example:

A restaurant refusing you entry if you wear a hijab or turban because they don’t allow headwear.

Discrimination By Perception

This is when someone treats you unfairly because they believe you belong to a religion or have a set of beliefs. For example;

A pub landlord refusing to serve you alcohol because you are wearing a headscarf and they think you are Muslim.

Discrimination by Association

This happens when someone discriminates against you because of the religion or belief of someone you are with. For example:

A nightclub refusing you entry because you’re with a Rastafarian and dreadlocks are against their dress code.

Who Can I Make a Religious Discrimination Claim Against?

You can claim against any person, business or organisation that provides a service to the public.

For example;

• Shops, restaurants, and supermarkets
• Universities
• Gyms and leisure centres
• Holiday Resorts and travel companies
• Healthcare providers, both private and NHS
• Councils and local authorities
• Transport companies including public and private hire
• Private clubs, and
• Government departments

How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim?

The time limit in which you can make a claim is short. It is only 6 months from that date your discrimination happened.

This means that if you plan to make a claim, you must seek legal advice as soon as possible.

How to Make a Claim For Religious or Belief Discrimination

If you have been discriminated against because of your religion or beliefs you may be able to make a claim.

Our discrimination solicitors will take some details about your complaint. We will then assess whether you have a case we can pursue.

We’ll also ask  you to provide any evidence to support your claim. This could be;

• Supporting documents – for example, copies of emails, text messages, letters or even voicemails or voice notes
• Witnesses – statements from people who were there and saw what happened
• Your version of events – discrimination often happens as part of a conversation so we might be able to use your own statement

After reviewing the details of your complaint and viewing any evidence, we can tell you if you have a claim or not. If we believe you have a claim, we will explain how to move forward.

Why Choose Ringrose Law?

Our solicitors have represented clients in all kinds of discrimination cases. Some involving single acts, others involving discriminatory policies affecting thousands of people.

We understand the effects that discrimination of any kind can have on people. We see, every day how frustrated, upset, angry and embarrassed discrimination can leave people feeling.

If you have suffered discrimination, we’re here to help. We aim to create lasting change to ensure that others do not suffer similar experiences and you can also be compensated for the injury to feeling that you have suffered.

We can help you claim against service providers, local authorities, in shops, venues, universities, healthcare providers and even central government.