Are LGBTQ+ allies legally protected from discrimination?

[AngelofArt]

In states that protect people from being discriminated against based on sexual orientation or gender identity, are allies also protected from discrimination? For example in a state where I would be legally protected as a transgender person, would my best friend be protected from being discriminated against for being a supportive friend to a transgender person?

[Quintus Crinis]

Depends - I don't know if the US has case law in the same sense as the UK does, but that would be the first thing to look at.

In general though, even if they are not explicitly protected by the law, they should be implicitly protected because anybody discriminating against them for being supportive of you would be indirectly discriminating against you, who is directly protected by the law. :)

[Goober]

I'm not sure that's a big issue for many because most of the time people who are supportive aren't picked on like those who are in the LGBTA+ umbrella. But you could probably have some sort of system between the two of you where you can find out who it is okay/not okay to be vocal about things with. So like if their parents do not support him supporting you but their aunt does, you could both talk to her about it but not the parents?? if that makes sense?

[Squirrel Combat]

I imagine not. I have heard nothing about allies being discriminated. But then again, I live in a cave and I'm not especially close friends with any gays or lesbians.

[Tercy]

Dunno about the US, but I'm almost certain UK law does cover this, just from memory.

[Sally]

Discrimination law doesn't protect people who don't need protection -- i.e., allies who would not experience discrimination. To prove a discrimination claim, you have to show that you were discriminated against. People who simply support friends who are experience discrimination wouldn't need, or be provided, protection.

[Tercy]

Just to follow up on my post now that I can be bothered to Google:

https://www.gov.uk/discrimination-your-rights/types-of-discrimination

"Youre also protected from discrimination if:

youre associated with someone who has a protected characteristic, eg a family member or friend

youve complained about discrimination or supported someone elses claim"

[Sally]

Well, that just increases my feeling that the UK is a lot more civilized than the US.

[Quintus Crinis]

Well, that just increases my feeling that the UK is a lot more civilized than the US.

We've just had a bit more time to adjust our laws for each other. :)

But to be fair I think this video might explain why it feels like that sometimes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJYY1CFKzTg ;)