Discrimination: European Parliament backs extension of anti-discrimination legislation
Today the European Parliament plenary adopted the report (1) by Dutch Green MEP Kathalijne Buitenweg, which extends discrimination protection beyond the labour market to goods and services for the discrimination grounds of sexual orientation, disability, age and religion/belief. This appears likely to be adopted during the Swedish Presidency of the EU, following last week's commitment by the Swedish government to do so.
Kathalijne Buitenweg commented:
"I am very proud I managed to get a parliament majority to support extending legal protection against discrimination beyond the labour market. This is a long overdue victory for the millions of people across Europe who are at risk of discrimination on grounds of their age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Having been Parliament's draftswoman for the Racial Equality Directive in 2000, I am delighted that I have been also able to play a role in closing the gaps in equality legislation for these other discrimination grounds.
Despite the obvious benefits of greater equality in all areas of society, it has taken months of hard work to win support for the new legislation in the European Parliament. In the face of external pressure, I am delighted that I managed to convince a clear majority of the importance of these rules."
The result could have been even clearer. I am disappointed that after reaching hard-won compromises with the Christian Democrats, they nevertheless reneged on their agreement and voted against the report. "
(1) Votes: For 363/Against 226/Abstentions 64
