Have I been discriminated against because of my sexual orientation?
If you have been treated unfairly because of your sexual orientation or your perceived sexual orientation, this may be unlawful discrimination.
You are covered by the law if you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or straight.
The law also covers individuals who are treated worse than others due to incorrect assumptions about their sexual orientation or because they associate with people of a particular sexual orientation or their parents are same sex couples or bisexual parents.
If you are treated worse that another person in a similar situation on grounds of sexual orientation, you can challenge the treatment under the law.
Time limits apply
Complaints of unlawful sexual orientation discrimination in education must be made to the county court within six months of the act complained of.
Where your complaint relates to certain public sector education there is a requirement to give two months notice to the Department of Education and in these circumstances the time limit is extended from six to eight months.
Even if you are attempting to resolve problems, the statutory time limits still apply. You may wish to issue proceedings to protect your legal interests if the matter has not resolved close to the expiry of the time limit.
If your time limit has expired the tribunal has discretion to extend the time for you to lodge your claim; this is used sparingly and it is unwise to assume that an extension will be granted.
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Education service problem