Bullied gay students can seek redress from equality body

YOUNGSTERS suffering homophobic abuse in school may be able to bring theiraggressors to book at the Equality Tribunal, it was revealed yesterday.

As a new initiative was launched encouraging schools to protect pupils from bullying, teenagers were told they can seek redress from the Equality Tribunal.

Under the Equal Status Acts, harassment is prohibited on a number of grounds, including sexual orientation, and schools are required to take reasonable steps to protect children in their care.