Protect LGBTQ+ Employees from Workplace Discrimination and Harassment

Everyone deserves to go to work without fear of being mocked, excluded or treated unfairly.

For many LGBTQ+ people, however, the workplace can become uncomfortable or unsafe when colleagues or managers make insulting comments, spread rumours, treat them differently or question their personal life.

Sometimes the problem is obvious.

A person may be denied an opportunity, left out of important work, bullied by colleagues or pressured to hide who they are.

At other times, discrimination is harder to prove.

An employee may notice that they are suddenly treated differently after their identity becomes known.

They may be passed over for promotion, pushed out of a team or made to feel that they do not belong.

Many people stay silent because they fear losing their job or being judged.

No employee should have to choose between earning a living and being treated with dignity.

We are asking the Government of Maharashtra, employers and concerned workplace authorities to encourage stronger protection against discrimination and harassment of LGBTQ+ employees.

Workplaces should have clear rules against bullying, insulting behaviour and unfair treatment based on a person’s identity.

Employees should have a safe way to report problems without fear of punishment or losing their job.

Complaints should be handled privately, fairly and seriously.

Managers and HR teams should also receive simple training so they understand how to deal with harassment and discrimination respectfully.

Employees should be judged by their work, skills and behaviour.

Their personal identity should not decide whether they are respected, promoted or allowed to feel safe at work.

This petition is not asking for special treatment.

It is asking for equal treatment.

A workplace should be somewhere people can earn a living with dignity, not somewhere they have to hide who they are to avoid harassment.

No person should fear losing respect or opportunity simply because of their identity.

Please sign this petition and support safer, fairer and more respectful workplaces for LGBTQ+ people across Maharashtra.