17.10.2008

Lesbian Couple Humiliated by Workplace Jokes

Beth Moules and Sharleen Amos, both 24, both saleswomen, told the hearing they were ridiculed by a senior staff member who branded their sexuality "disgusting".

They claimed a colleague told staff the pair had performed a threesome with their sales manager being "the meat sandwich between them".

The women, who live together in Swindon, Wilts, are claiming sexual discrimination and unfair dismissal at the tribunal in Bristol.

The pair joined Bristol-based Aquatec Rainsoft, which makes water purifications systems, in October 2006. They became "exceptional" employees, the tribunal was told, with Miss Moules making more than £44,000 in 18 months. But employees "laughed and joked" about their sexuality in conversation, it was claimed.

They claimed the firm ignored their complaints of sexual harassment, and they were allegedly told to stop complaining because "lesbians had never and would never suffer in the way that Jews did".

Miss Moules said:-

"They were laughing and joking about our sexuality in conversation and it's an attack against us as lesbian women so I felt extremely raw and angry about it."

Miss Amos is claiming sexual discrimination and unfair dismissal. Miss Moules, who resigned, is claiming sexual discrimination only. The company denies both allegations.

Aquatec Rainsoft accountant Anne Boyle told the hearing that the company had "done everything it could to protect" the couple.

The hearing continues.