"EQUALITY RAPPORTEUR" WELCOMES ANTI-DISCRIMINATION DIRECTIVE"

4.34.23pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 3rd Jul 2008

Local LibDem Euro-MP Liz Lynne, whose report calling for a comprehensive anti-discrimination directive was recently adopted by the European Parliament, welcomed the European Commissions' announcement today that they are indeed going to bring forward such a directive.

Liz Lynne, who is Vice President of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee said:

"I am delighted that because of my report and the tenacity shown by MEPs and NGOs, the European Commission has now announced it will bring forward comprehensive legislation covering all areas currently excluded, including disability, age, sexual orientation and religion or belief."

"I've been campaigning for years on disabled people's rights and on age, but I became totally convinced that we needed a comprehensive directive so that no-one is left out. Non-discrimination and equal treatment are principles that lie at the heart of the European Union. There can be no hierarchy of discrimination with some forms considered more acceptable than others. Everyone has the right to be treated as an equal citizen."

The directive was promised by the Commission in its 2008 Work Programme, but its future was put in doubt after several Member States objected. A fierce lobbying campaign by European Parliamentarians and NGOs ensued, culminating in the adoption of Liz Lynne's report and a renewed commitment by the European Commission to honour its original plans.

The proposals' launch comes just days after the UK government put forward its own proposals to outlaw discrimination in access to goods and services on the grounds of age.