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ARTICLE · 14 FEBRUARY 2019

Valentines Day in the workplace - sexual harassment?

Swaab Attorneys
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Unwelcome conduct with a sexual element (as many Valentine's Day cards and gifts do) could constitute sexual harassment.

AustraliaEmployment and HR
Michael Byrnes
Michael Byrnes
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Valentine's Day, the celebration of romance and romantic love, takes place annually on February 14.

While many assiduously avoid what they consider to be a crass commercialisation of intimate relationships, others embrace with relish the opportunities it presents to either affirm or pursue romance.

There has been some recent media coverage (usually with accompanying commentary to the effect of ​"political correctness gone mad" or ​"nanny state censorship") given to a speech code at the University of New Orleans, the terms of which could render some suggestive Valentine's Day cards to be evidence of sexual harassment. 

While no one wants to be accused of being a killjoy in matters of the heart, looking at it objectively, why wouldn't this be the case? 

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Michael Byrnes, Partner
Phone: + 61 2 9233 5544
Email: [email protected]

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