Robert’s Story

Robert is a disabled gay man who receives support from the local authority. His support team had a policy of assisting the people they worked with to participate in social activities, when they wanted to. Robert asked if a support worker could accompany him to a gay pub. His request was denied even though other heterosexual service users were regularly supported to attend pubs and clubs of their choice. During a BIHR training session, Robert’s advocate realised that Robert could challenge the decision by invoking his right to respect for private life (Article 8) and his right not to be discriminated against on grounds of his sexual orientation.