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The Portuguese Constitution prohibits any form of discrimination, be it based on sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion, political or other opinion, etc. Portugal, including its capital city, Lisbon, is known for its comprehensive anti-discrimination laws. These laws apply in a variety of sectors including employment, education, public services, and social protection among others. Despite these strong legal protections, cases of discrimination do occur, hence legal assistance is often necessary to resolve such issues and ensure the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws
Laws relating to discrimination are complex and may involve navigating multiple legal procedures. If you believe you've been unfairly targeted or treated due to your nationality, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation, you may require a lawyer to help you understand your rights and seek justice. Employment-based discrimination, such as workplace harassment, unequal pay, or unfair dismissal, are common situations where people require legal help. You may also require legal assistance if you suffer discrimination when access to education, public services, or social protection.
The key instrument regarding anti-discrimination law in Portugal is the Portuguese Constitution's Article 13. This article states that all citizens are equal before the law, enjoying the same rights and are subject to the same duties, irrespective of their colour, race, ethnic group, gender, religion, etc. Other notable laws include the Labour Code, which bans any direct or indirect discrimination in work relations, irrespective of whether it is grounded on race, age, sex or other factors.
Grounds for discrimination in Portugal include race, colour, ethnicity, sex, language, age, sexual orientation, religion or beliefs, political or ideological convictions, physical or mental disability, health conditions, family status or economic situation, and genetic heritage.
The Portuguese Constitution and the Labour Code are primary legal instruments providing protection against discrimination. Portugal also has a law for Equality Between Men and Women in Work and Employment, which specifically addresses gender-based discrimination.
The Labour Code specifically bans any discrimination, be it direct or indirect, based on factors such as race, age, and sex, among others.
The Portuguese Constitution specifically states that no citizen can be privileged, favored, harmed, stripped of any right, or exempted from any duty due to their nationality.
You can initially consult with an attorney or law firm anonymously. However, if you decide to pursue a formal legal complaint or action, your identity will typically need to be disclosed in the legal proceedings.
The Commission for Equality and Against Racial Discrimination (CICDR) and the Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality (CIG) are key governmental bodies working towards preventing and prohibiting discriminatory practices. Furthermore, the Office for Assistance to Crime Victims (APAV) is a non-profit organization providing support to discrimination victims.
If you believe you've been discriminated against, it's important to consult with a lawyer at the earliest. Engage with the aforementioned organizations to understand your rights and possible avenues for redress. It's crucial to collect and retain any evidence of the discrimination, such as emails, text messages, or videos as these will strengthen your case.
