Gay Today: World

European Commission:
Ban Job Discrimination

Compiled by GayToday

The European Commission adopted a package of reform measures yesterday including the banning of employment discrimination based on sexual orientation. The Commission's decision, which must be implemented throughout the European Union, is based on Article 13 of the Amsterdam Treaty.

ILGA-Europe, the European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Association, the federation comprising over 300 lesbian and gay associations all over Europe, welcomed the Commission's decision.

"The proposal for a Council Directive establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment irrespective of sexual orientation, race or ethnic origin, religion or belief, age and disability, is an essential step to make effective the pledge to combat discrimination contained in Article 13" said Jackie Lewis and Kurt Krickler, ILGA-Europe Co-chairs.

"The prohibition of discrimination against lesbians and gays as well as discrimination based on other grounds is the essence of the principle of equality of every individual before the law, a principle which is the at the very foundation of our society. Therefore, this principle cannot be limited to certain areas of life, nor to certain grounds.

It will be up to the European Parliament, which is called to give its opinion on the package in the next months, and to the Council which has to adopt the measures, to support the Commission proposals and to complete them, ensuring that discrimination based on all grounds listed in Article 13, including sexual orientation, is prohibited in other areas besides employment, such as education, culture, access to goods and services, social protection. Also, equal treatment of same-sex couples has to be guaranteed," according to Alberto Volpato and Steffen Jensen, ILGA-Europe Board members.

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ILGA-Europe promises to continue its campaign together with the other members of the Platform of European Social NGOs, for a full implementation of Article 13, for its strengthening at the EU Intergovernmental Conference next year and for the inclusion of a general anti-discrimination clause in the future EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.