20th May 2008 - European Parliament backs anti-discrimination

Yorkshire and the Humber Euro-MP Linda McAvan has criticised Conservative MEPs after they voted against a report recommending comprehensive legislation against discrimination this morning.

Labour and Liberal Democrat MEPs backed the report, which called on the European Commission to introduce legislation banning discrimination in the provision of goods and services on grounds of disability, age, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

The Conservative group in the Parliament moved amendments staing that "a non-specific directive prohibiting discrimination" would not be "appropriate".
 
Ms McAvan said:

"The principle at stake in this morning's vote was simple: do we want to see an end to discrimination or not? On Saturday I spoke at a rally to mark the International Day Against Homophobia in Sheffield. I had to tell the people there that the rights of gay and lesbian people are still not being respected in all EU countries. Today MEPs had the chance to stand up for those rights. Sadly, the Tories decided that they didn't want to. For all David Cameron's talk, Tory MEPs are still the same as they have always been."

Speaking ahead of the vote, Labour MEP Michael Cashman, one of only a very small number of openly gay MEPs, had challenged Conservative MEPs:

“It is not too late for the Tories. I am asking them vote with us and do the decent thing and help to end discrimination based on age, disability, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

“To every single Conservative MEP I say this - I dare you to do the right thing. If you do not then we will have further proof that, despite the cosy words, the Tory party has not changed. And cannot change"

Four years ago, the President of the European Commission promised to tackle discrimination in all forms. However, the long awaited "horizontal directive" covering all the relevant aspects of legislation has still not been produced.