Information, not legal advice. This is a general overview to help you understand your rights and find the right service — it isn't legal advice, and the law differs between countries and changes over time. For your situation, contact one of the bodies below or a qualified adviser.
Your rights at EU level
Across the EU, you're protected by several layers of law:
- Equal treatment at work. EU law prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment and occupation — covering hiring, pay, promotion, training and harassment by colleagues.
- The Charter of Fundamental Rights. The EU Charter prohibits discrimination on grounds including sexual orientation, and protects private and family life.
- Freedom of movement. Where a member state recognises your relationship, EU rules on free movement help protect rainbow families moving between countries.
- EU LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026–2030. The European Commission's strategy sets out EU-wide action on equality, safety and inclusion for LGBTIQ+ people.
Your rights in Ireland
Ireland has some of the stronger LGBTQ+ protections in Europe:
- Equality law. The Employment Equality Acts and the Equal Status Acts prohibit discrimination on nine grounds — including sexual orientation — at work and in accessing goods, services and accommodation.
- Marriage equality. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2015, following the marriage-equality referendum.
- Gender recognition. The Gender Recognition Act 2015 lets people legally change their gender on the basis of self-determination.
- Hate offences. Crimes aggravated by hatred carry tougher penalties under the Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Act 2024 — see hate crime & discrimination.
If you've been discriminated against
If you believe you've been treated unlawfully — passed over at work, refused a service, or harassed because of who you are — you have routes to challenge it. In Ireland, the IHREC provides information and can assist in some cases, and complaints about discrimination at work or in services can be brought to the Workplace Relations Commission. Citizens Information explains the steps and time limits. Keep a record of what happened — dates, what was said or done, and any witnesses.
It varies across Europe
Rights and protections differ significantly between EU member states, and the picture changes year to year. If you live in, or are travelling to, another country, ILGA-Europe's annual Rainbow Map and the FRA are good places to check how things stand where you are.
See also Hate crime & discrimination, Coming out, at your pace, and the full Safety Guide.
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