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Homophobic abuse causes man to quit |
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A gay salesman wore a pink shirt and tie to work at a BMW dealership — and was sent home, a tribunal heard. Ben Hamilton, 26, claimed he was forced out of his job by colleagues branding him a “poof” and saying: “Hello sweetie.”
They allegedly mocked his beard up to 30 times a day by chanting: “All right, Noel — Deal or No Deal?” He told the hearing: “Gay men were regarded as fair game for abuse.”
Mr Hamilton went sick with stress and later quit his £35,000-a-year job at Scotthall BMW in Chandlers Ford, Hants. He said of being sent home to change his shirt: “I felt humiliated. Others wore pink clothing without attracting such jibes.” Mr Hamilton, of Eastleigh, Hants — openly gay since the age of 15 — is suing for sex discrimination and constructive dismissal.
The Southampton tribunal continues.
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