The sex discrimination act 1975 is a legislation that exists in the United Kingdom to protect individuals from becoming victim to sex based discrimination. According to the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, men and women cannot be discriminated against based on their sex. Primarily, these laws pertain to employment and education, but it also prohibits sex based `discrimination for other purposes as well. The act identifies two particular types of sex discrimination, direct and indirect. Common types of of discrimination that may qualify as violations of the Sex Discrimination act include not hiring a woman based on sex, sexual harassment, or indirect actions like refusing to offer sick leave to a pregnant women.

For individuals or groups, including employers, that are proven to have discriminated, the Sex Discrimination act 1975 also outlines that legal ramifications are present. As of 2004, this act was amended to also include transgender individuals. In the United States, there are many similar legal guidelines that protect individuals, both men and women, from being discriminated based on their sex.