Belief in consensual slavery did not attract protection under anti discrimination laws

Over the past few months, Buddy has blogged about beliefs in combating climate change and banning fox hunting being deemed philosophical beliefs by the Tribunals and so warranting protection under anti discrimination legislation. This week a Claimant has tried to persuade the Tribunal that her belief in "consensual slavery" should be given the same status.

The Claimant, a former North and East Herts Health Authority midwife, claimed that she had been dismissed for wearing an emblem of her belief in BDSM (bondage, discipline, sado-masochistic) in the form of a silver collar. She argued that her lifestyle constituted a genuine philosophical belief. This was disputed by her former employer, who disputed both that her belief should be protected under the legislation and also argued that if it was the PCP of banning her from wearing the collar was justified as a health and safety concern.

The claim was heard in the Bedford Employment Tribunal. According to reports on Guardian.co.uk, the Tribunal found that her belief in consensual slavery did not amount to a genuine philosophical belief. Buddy will post more details regarding this case as and when they are published.

Buddy has a number of documents available for employers on discrimination.  Full members can access these documents by clicking on the Discrimination tab in the HR Resources section of the site.