Syrjintäkiellto

Syrjintäkiellto, or the discrimination ban, refers to the legal prohibition against unfair treatment of individuals or groups based on protected characteristics. It covers direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment, and discriminatory terms in many areas of public life.

In Finland, syrjintäkiellto is embedded in the country’s non-discrimination and equality framework, and is supported by European Union anti-discrimination directives. The prohibition applies to a range of grounds, including race or ethnicity, nationality, religion or belief, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, health status, language, family status, and union membership. The ban extends to employment and hiring, education, housing, services, and public decision-making, and it applies to both public authorities and private actors providing services or engaging in economic activity.

Direct discrimination occurs when a person is treated less favorably because of a protected characteristic. Indirect discrimination happens when a neutral rule or criterion disproportionately disadvantages a protected group. Harassment and the creation of a hostile or humiliating environment related to a protected characteristic are also prohibited, as are measures that intentionally or unintentionally promote unequal treatment.

Enforcement typically involves complaints to authorities such as equality ombudspersons or equivalent bodies and, if necessary, recourse through the courts. Remedies may include orders to stop discriminatory practices, compensation for harm, and other corrective actions. The syrjintäkiellto framework seeks to ensure equal access to work, education, services, and public life, while balancing freedom of action and the practical realities of enforcement.