That is so gay........

As I enter middle age I find it more and more difficult to understand the language of the young. In particular is the use of the word ‘gay’ as a form of abuse. For more on this go to:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7289390.stm

Now it would appear that directing homophobic abuse at a straight employee in the workplace is likely to lead to problems for the employer. The Court of Appeal has held that ‘on the grounds of sexual orientation’ can cover straight employees who are subjected to homophobic abuse (English v Thomas Sanderson Limited – citation below).

Perhaps in reality the abuse says more about the abuser than the abused. I remember talking to a Sri Lankan who came home one evening to find a ‘Paki go home’ note pinned to his door. He was upset but he couldn’t help wondering whether this person actually realised that the two countries are about 1,500 miles apart and the inhabitants probably had less in common than the abuser had with someone from Pakistan!

http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2008/1421.html

Peter D