diskrimineringsgrunder

Diskrimineringsgrunder are the specific grounds on which discrimination is prohibited under Swedish law. These grounds are outlined in the Discrimination Act (Diskrimineringslagen). The purpose of identifying these grounds is to protect individuals from unfair treatment based on certain personal characteristics.

The eleven diskrimineringsgrunder are sex, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation, age, and temporary absence from work. Discrimination is defined as treating someone unfavorably because of one of these grounds. This can occur in various areas of life, including employment, education, healthcare, and the provision of goods and services.

The law also prohibits direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, and instructions to discriminate. Direct discrimination occurs when a person is treated less favorably than another in a comparable situation. Indirect discrimination arises when a provision, criterion, or practice puts persons with a certain characteristic at a particular disadvantage compared to other persons, unless the provision, criterion, or practice is objectively justified by a legitimate aim and the means of achieving that aim are appropriate and necessary.

Harassment is defined as conduct which has the purpose or effect of violating someone's dignity and is related to one of the grounds. Sexual harassment is a specific form of harassment related to sex or gender. Instructions to discriminate are also forbidden, meaning no one can be instructed to discriminate against another person.

The Discrimination Act aims to promote equality and prevent discrimination across society. It provides legal recourse for individuals who have experienced discrimination and places obligations on employers and service providers to actively work against discrimination.