Discrimination
It's against the law to discriminate against anyone, including a child or young person, because of their:
race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins;
sex;
disability;
sexuality;
religion or belief;
political belief (Northern Ireland only).
Some of the places where you are protected against discrimination include schools and colleges, work, shops, clubs, pubs, hospitals and clinics and council services. You are protected against discrimination regardless of whether you are buying something or getting it for free.
In certain circumstances, there are some exceptions to these rules which mean that discrimination is allowed.
If you have experienced discrimination, including sexual or racial harassment, or harassment because of your sexuality, religion or belief, you may be able to take action against the organisation or person responsible.
Useful links
More information about the following is available from the Citizens Advice Bureau website:
race discrimination (www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_rights/civil_rights/taking_action_about_race_discrimination.htm);
sex discrimination (www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_rights/civil_rights/taking_action_about_sex_discrimination.htm);
disability discrimination (www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_rights/civil_rights/disability_discrimination.htm);
discrimination because of sexuality (www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_rights/civil_rights/discrimination_because_of_sexuality.htm);
discrimination because of religion or belief (www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_rights/civil_rights/discrimination_because_of_religion_or_belief.htm).