Advertising & Sexual orientation

Advertising & Sexual orientation Discrimination

Discrimination on the ‘sexual orientation ground‘ happens where there is less favourable treatment of one person compared to another person because they are of different sexual orientation.

‘Sexual orientation’ is defined as heterosexual, bisexual or homosexual orientation.

Report inequality in advertising

If you have come across an advertisement that you believe discriminates on the sexual orientation ground, you can report it here.

The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission can make a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission or contact the advertiser directly in response to discriminatory advertising.

If you believe an advertisement directly affects your access to employment, you can complain directly to the Workplace Relations Commission.

What's covered?

What's not covered?

Case Studies

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What's next?

Make a complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission

The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) is the body that hears discrimination complaints under Ireland’s equality laws. The WRC deals with both employment and service/goods related claims. There is no fee to bring a case to the WRC and complaints can be made online.

Learn more about the WRC process

Contact us

We, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, have a statutory role to fight discrimination and provide information on equality and human rights in Ireland. Please note however that we are not a court and we do not decide on discrimination claims.

Learn more about how to contact us

Contact another organisation

You may find that another organisation could better help you with your issue.

  • Employment rights / Equal treatment in services

    Workplace Relations Commission

  • Disability rights

    National Disability Authority

  • Immigration and asylum

    The Refugee Legal Service

  • Community law and mediation

    Community Law & Mediation

  • Citizen's Information Centres

    Citizen’s Information

  • Children's rights

    Children’s Rights Alliance

  • Independent living for people with disabilities

    Independent Living Movement

  • Information for unmarried parents

    Treoir – National Federation of Services for Unmarried Parents and their Children

  • Women's rights and equality

    National Women’s Council Ireland

  • Transgender persons

    Teni Transgender Equality Network Ireland

Browse the database of organisations working on human rights and equality issues in Ireland.

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