#LGBTQ #BusinessTravel #LegalRights
Hey everyone! I need some advice. 🌈✈️
So, I’m gay and my job requires me to go on a business trip to a country where being gay is illegal. I’m worried about my safety and potential legal repercussions. Can I legally refuse to go on this trip without risking my job?
Here are some things to consider:
– Check your company’s policies: Review your company’s policies on international travel and discrimination to see if you have any legal grounds to refuse the trip.
– Consult with HR: Talk to your HR department about your concerns and see if there are any accommodations or alternatives available to you.
– Consider seeking legal advice: If you feel that your safety and rights are at risk, it may be worthwhile to consult with a legal professional to understand your options.
Any thoughts or advice on how to handle this situation? Let’s discuss! 👍🏳️🌈
Hey OP I see you are Canadian. In terms of worksafe issues you have three fundamental rights. Those are to know what your employer is doing about safety, to participate on the safety process, and to refuse unsafe work. Now your right to refuse unsafe work isn’t unlimited. For you it would end up with a Worksafe BC ruling (if it got that far). In these dealings you should be very clear you are refusing to go because you feel the work is unsafe.
You of course can legally refuse to go. But I think your real question is can you be punished or fired for refusing.
You employer cannot punish you for being gay, and would need to provide reasonable accommodations if any were needed. But if this position requires such travel, there may be no accommodation possible.
Your first step would be to discuss this issue with your employer.
NAL
You have the right to refuse unsafe work. Check out WorkSafeBC website
Keep in mind the company could even fear asking you NOT to go based on your sexual orientation – as that could be perceived as discrimination too. But I can’t imagine a company forcing you into harm’s way if you don’t want to go.
Have you tried talking to your employer and expressing your concerns.
We travel now and then. I refused to go to two different countries because I didn’t feel they were safe. One of the customers told me “You will be fine, I’ll pick you up at the airport, I have an armored car.”
Thanks, but no. My life isn’t’ worth the gamble. I told my boss that if the country was on a no travel / advisory list, I’m not going. They were not happy but did not fire me.
What country (and if in the US or Canada, what state or province) are you employed in?