Applications

[northy]

So I was filling out some application forms the other day and noticed that on some forms they ask for your sexuality. Job applications btw. Why do they need this? I'm not out to anyone and my parents check the forms for me to check for mistakes. I don't want to come out, I'm happy as I am. What should I do? Lie and put that I'm straight? Leave the field blank and risk questioning from my parents/ not get the job?

[Sailor Mars]

Maybe u could try personally talking to your manager/boss about it?

[Coolguy10890]

That's weird. Idk how different it is in England, but what I do know that in my state in the U.S. its illegal to fire somebody based on sexuality, so it's not even asked on the application in the first place.

[SethfromMI]

unless it is something like a church or one of those very odd exceptions, I did not think they were even allowed to ask that question

[DoodleSnap]

It seems strange that they would ask at all. I'd say that you should just put down that you'd prefer not to answer, and if your parents do ask, just say that it is a matter of principal, that you don't feel that you should legally be obliged to answer such a personal question.

[Emerald Dream]

A simple Google search led me here (http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/otherprotections.cfm).

"The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), as amended, also protects federal government applicants and employees from discrimination in personnel actions (see "Prohibited Personnel Practices" http://www.opm.gov/ovrsight/proidx.asp) based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, or on conduct which does not adversely affect the performance of the applicant or employee -- which can include sexual orientation or transgender (gender identity) status."

If I can find it that easily, then companies that have you fill out applications know about it as well.

I would simply leave it blank, or better yet - not even bother attempting to work for a company that has the balls to even ask that on their application. Quite frankly, that's none of their business, and it should not be a consideration whether someone can do their job or not.

[Zachary G]

I would just leave the field blank and when questioned about it I would simply say that its an invasive question and you refuse to answer it based on the premise that its your private business and no one elses.

[Abhorrence]

There should usually be an option that says "prefer not to say", if you feel more comfortable say that but this may risk questioning from your parents. It's up to you whether you are honest, indifferent or if you lie.

[Legoboy]

A simple Google search led me here (http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/otherprotections.cfm).

"The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), as amended, also protects federal government applicants and employees from discrimination in personnel actions (see "Prohibited Personnel Practices" http://www.opm.gov/ovrsight/proidx.asp) based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, or on conduct which does not adversely affect the performance of the applicant or employee -- which can include sexual orientation or transgender (gender identity) status."



OP is in England from his sig but I did some googling and I think its the same deal The law is the Equality Act 2010 over here apparently and all the bits of advice (https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/equality-and-diversity/324237-sexual-orientation-diversity-matters)I've found say the same thing (eg here (http://findlaw.co.uk/law/employment/discrimination/8503.html)too) ... you don't have to say. Same goes when you are applying for college or uni or whatever. just leave it blank, tell them you don't want to answer the question is what they say.

Any questions about it are supposedly to help make sure they AREN'T discriminating but basically just ignore any ones you don't want to ask. Same goes for questions about your race or religion.

[Body odah Man]

A simple Google search led me here (http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/otherprotections.cfm).

"The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), as amended, also protects federal government applicants and employees from discrimination in personnel actions (see "Prohibited Personnel Practices" http://www.opm.gov/ovrsight/proidx.asp) based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, or on conduct which does not adversely affect the performance of the applicant or employee -- which can include sexual orientation or transgender (gender identity) status."

If I can find it that easily, then companies that have you fill out applications know about it as well.

I would simply leave it blank, or better yet - not even bother attempting to work for a company that has the balls to even ask that on their application. Quite frankly, that's none of their business, and it should not be a consideration whether someone can do their job or not.

Agreed. I mean, what business is it of theirs?

[SethfromMI]

if it is illegal to ask which it is, they cannot make a decision to hire you based on not filling that question out

[northy]

if it is illegal to ask which it is, they cannot make a decision to hire you based on not filling that question out



It's not illegal to ask in the UK. Only illegal to discriminate.

[hesaidhesaid]

That's harsh. Why do you think they would ask that? What job you applying to?

[northy]

That's harsh. Why do you think they would ask that? What job you applying to?



Shops and a computer repairs company. I want a part time job to save up for uni whilst I do my a levels. I don't know why they want to know. I think its none of their business as you lot seem to also.

[plushdreams0608]

I didn't even know that they were allowed to do that. I mean, I don't understand what your sexuality would have to do with your ability to do the job? If you don't want to come out yet/don't feel ready then I would say definitely don't. It's personal choice as to when and who you come out to

[SethfromMI]

It's not illegal to ask in the UK. Only illegal to discriminate.

did not know you could still ask. I don't see why they would if they "don't discriminate" based on the answer, but good to know