Anti-discrimination: Barroso promises U-turn for comprehensive directive
In the lead-up to today's European Parliament hearing for candidate Commissioner Jacques Barrot, the European Commission has informally taken the decision to extend anti-discrimination legislation in several areas beyond the mooted ground of disability. This was indicated by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso in a private phone call to Dutch Green MEP Kathalijne Buitenweg, who is among those who have called for no compromise in extending anti-discrimination protection for gays and other groups. She commented:
"Months of lobbying and hard work have finally been rewarded. The initial proposal of the European Commission would have only improved the rights of people with a disability. Instead the Commission is going to prepare a bill for a horizontal directive that also will protect people who are discriminated on the basis of their sexual orientation, religion or age. I am incredibly proud that we have convinced the Commission.
Besides convincing the Commission, the shift possibly owes something to today's European Parliament hearing of candidate Commissioner for Justice Jacques Barrot. We made clear from the beginning that we will intensively question Barrot on the topic. This was the case for Rocco Buttiglione, the candidate Commissioner for Justice who failed his hearing because of his negative views on homosexuality and gender equality in 2004.
Last April, Barroso indicated that he only would incorporate discrimination on the base of disability in a new directive, because five EU member states would be against a broader move. This came after his promises to the contrary following the Buttiglione affair in 2004.
Of course it is not sure that all member states will be in favour of this broader anti-discrimination directive, but I am convinced that they do not want to be seen as a homophobic or discriminatory country. The directive's chances of adoption will be improved now the subject will be openly discussed. The European Parliament has already declared itself in favour of broad improvements in anti-discrimination protection; now it is the turn of EU member states to do the same."
