At Arlingsworth Solicitors, based in Brighton, we are proud supporters of LGBTQ+ History Month. Brighton has long been recognised as the UK’s LGBTQ+ capital, and we are committed to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in both our legal work and our community efforts.

We fully support LGBTQ+ events and charities, including the Ditch the Label campaign, which works to combat discrimination and bullying. We also specialise in legal matters affecting same-sex couples, from immigration and marriage to breakups and prenuptial agreements.

Why LGBTQ+ History Month Matters

LGBTQ+ History Month is an annual celebration that recognises the achievements, struggles, and legal progress made in the fight for equality. It serves as a reminder that while significant milestones have been reached, challenges still remain in ensuring full equality and protection for LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in areas such as employment rights, family law, and discrimination protections.

Key Legal Milestones for LGBTQ+ Rights in the UK

LGBTQ+ rights in the UK have come a long way, and many legal battles have shaped the protections we have today:

  • Decriminalisation of Homosexuality (1967): The Sexual Offences Act 1967 decriminalised homosexuality for men over 21 in England and Wales, marking the beginning of legal recognition for LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • Equal Age of Consent (2001): It took over 30 years after decriminalisation for the UK to equalise the age of consent to 16 for everyone, removing legal discrimination against same-sex relationships.
  • Civil Partnership Act (2004): This act granted same-sex couples the ability to legally formalise their relationships, offering many of the legal protections of marriage.
  • Gender Recognition Act (2004): A step forward for trans rights, this law allowed transgender individuals to legally change their gender, though calls for reform remain.

Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act (2013): A defining moment for LGBTQ+ rights in England and Wales, this act legalised same-sex marriage, ensuring true marriage equality under the law.

Fighting Discrimination in the Workplace

Despite legal progress, discrimination still exists in many aspects of life, including the workplace. UK Employment Law protects employees from discrimination based on sexuality, gender identity, and other protected characteristics.

Discrimination in the workplace can take many forms, including:

  • Unfair dismissal due to sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Harassment or a hostile work environment
  • Being denied promotions or equal pay due to LGBTQ+ status

At Arlingsworth Solicitors, our discrimination law specialists can help if you have faced unfair treatment. If discrimination has led to your employment being terminated, you may be eligible for compensation, no matter how long you were employed. If you are still employed but facing discrimination, we can advise you on your legal rights and whether you may be entitled to resign and claim for lost earnings.

Our Commitment to LGBTQ+ Rights

Arlingsworth Solicitors is dedicated to providing expert legal support to LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly in the following areas:

  • Same-sex immigration: Helping LGBTQ+ couples navigate UK immigration laws
  • Same-sex marriage and civil partnerships: Ensuring legal protections for LGBTQ+ couples
  • Prenuptial agreements and breakups: Offering tailored legal advice for same-sex couples
  • Employment discrimination claims: Fighting for justice in cases of workplace discrimination

This LGBTQ+ History Month, we celebrate the progress made while continuing to push for greater equality. If you need legal advice related to LGBTQ+ rights, whether for discrimination, immigration, or family law, contact Arlingsworth Solicitors today.

Equality is the law – let us help you protect your rights.