Is it OK to banter about baldness?
Calling a man “bald” as an insult is sexual discrimination, a High Court judge has ruled.
Mrs Justice Dame Naomi Ellenbogen based her judgement on the fact hair loss is much “more prevalent” among men than women.
During a lengthy legal case it was argued that because females can also be bald that using the word in relation to a man could not be in breach of equality laws.
But Mrs Justice Ellenbogen dismissed the claim and said that commenting on a man’s hair loss was “inherently related to sex”.
The decision at the Employment Appeals Tribunal was handed down last November but the full judgement has only just been published in full.
The ruling cleared the way for veteran electrician Tony Finn to receive compensation more than four years after he was first insulted.
Following this decision, Mr. Finn is now eligible for compensation for both the harassment and wrongful dismissal. The case underscores the importance of respectful conduct in the workplace and sends a message to employers and employees alike that derogatory comments based on physical appearance will not be tolerated.
The ruling has gained attention as it broadens the interpretation of sexual harassment in the workplace. It demonstrates that comments targeting physical appearance, even those not exclusively related to one gender, can still be classified as harassment if they carry gendered connotations.
What are your views? Is it ok to make remarks towards a follically challenged man? How can you distinguish between an insult and banter?
