Have you been subjected to discrimination?
Discrimination means that someone is treated less favorably than others due to factors such as gender, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It can occur in the workplace, at school, in healthcare, or in other areas of society. Discrimination is illegal in Sweden and can happen both directly and indirectly. Recognizing the signs is important so you can take action against it.
Direct
Direct discrimination occurs when someone is treated worse than others because of a violation against one of the grounds of discrimination. For example, if a woman is denied employment because she’s pregnant.
Indirect
Indirect discrimination happens when a rule, criterion, or practice that appears neutral, in practice disadvantages any groups of people protected under the Swedish Discrimination Act. For instance, if a company requires all employees to work full-time, it may disadvantage individuals with disabilities who can only work part-time. Or if a healthcare center, intended to serve everyone, lacks a ramp at the entrance, preventing wheelchair users from accessing the facility.
Grounds of discrimination under Swedish law
Sweden’s Discrimination Act protects individuals based on:
- Gender: Including women, men, and non-binary individuals.
- Gender identity/Expression: Protection for those identifying outside the binary or expressing gender nonconformity.
- Ethnicity: Safeguards against unfair treatment due to national or ethnic origin, skin color, or similar characteristics.
- Religion/Belief: Freedom to practice a religion or hold a belief without fear of discrimination.
- Disability: Protection for physical, psychological, or intellectual impairments.
- Sexual orientation: Ensures equal treatment regardless of whom someone is attracted to.
- Age: Prohibits discrimination based on age in work, education, and other areas.
What to do as a victim
Document the incident
If you believe you’ve been discriminated against, it’s important to document the incident. Write down what happened, when it happened, and who was involved. If possible, collect evidence such as emails, text messages, or witness statements.
Report it
You can report discrimination to the Equality Ombudsman (DO) or, depending on the context, to your employer, trade union, or school. DO investigates and can help bring your case forward.
Seek legal help
If you need advice or support to handle a discrimination case, consult a lawyer specializing in discrimination cases. They can help you understand your rights and advise you on the next steps.
What we help with in discrimination cases
Legal advice and guidance
We provide advice on your rights and options if you’ve been subjected to discrimination. We help you understand the law and the steps you can take to seek justice.
Documentation and filing
We assist you in compiling necessary documentation and filing a report with the appropriate authority or institution to strengthen your case.
Representation
If your case proceeds to negotiations or legal proceedings, we represent you and make sure that your rights are fully protected.
Get legal help today
Do you need help with discrimination? You can always get in contact with our lawyers within just 24 hours when you need quick answers to your questions. Or you can email or call us whenever you need to hire a lawyer for legal assistance.
FAQ about discrimination
What is discrimination?
It’s when someone is treated worse than others due to a protected characteristic, such as gender, ethnicity, or religion.
What should I do if I’ve been discriminated against?
Document the incident, report it to the appropriate body, and consider seeking legal advice for further assistance.
What are the protected grounds of discrimination in Sweden?
In Sweden, it’s illegal to discriminate based on gender, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and age.
