Last week Andy Murray was knocked out of Wimbledon and became noted for calling out sexism in tennis.
After the match, a reporter said: “Sam [Querrey] is the first American player to reach the semi-final of a Slam since 2009.”
Knowing that Serena Williams has won more major titles than we’ve had hot dinners, quick as a flash, Andy volleyed back: “Male player”.
He also suggested that female players should get the chance to play on Centre Court and Court No 1 as often as the men (it’s currently 3:1).
As a champion of equality, he’s a winner in our eyes.
Organisers are allowed to hold separate sports events for men and women, because otherwise the differences in stamina, strength and physique would make the competition unfair.
There are other times when it’s legal to treat men and women differently. Here are some examples:
- When it’s an occupational requirement. That is, when a job has to be done by someone of a particular sex. It might be for reasons of privacy or decency, such as a changing room attendant or women’s refuge service.
- When an organisation is taking positive action. For example, an employer actively recruiting people of an unrepresented or disadvantaged sex placing a job ad that says “Women are welcome”.
- When the armed forces refuse to employ, train or promote a woman if it limits their combat effectiveness.
- When a religious organisation restricts employment to one sex for religious purposes, such as a male rabbi in an orthodox synagogue.
In most other cases, the Equality Act dictates that you shouldn’t be discriminated against directly or indirectly because of your sex, neither should you experience harassment or victimisation.
If that has happened to you, we can help.
Need help?
For a FREE assessment of your claim, call 0808 168 7288 or fill in the contact form on the top right of this page.
We have already helped thousands of people to win millions of pounds in compensation.
You have a choice of ways to pay, including ‘no win, no fee’.
We will also discuss the best methods of funding your case and seek to reach a solution that best suits your needs. This can involve a “no-win, no-fee” agreement if appropriate.