After strong representation and argumentation from the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, the Commission has finally announced today a proposal for a "horizontal" directive on the fight against discrimination in the European Union.  This directive is called "horizontal" because it widens the existing legal framework to include all types of discrimination (not just disability but also age, sexual orientation and religion) and enlarges the various fields of application (from the workplace to goods and services and social protection).  ALDE is proud to have reached this result, having been heavily involved from the outset of this initiative by the Commission, which will now be adopted under the legal base (art. 13, TCE) which unfortunately marginalizes completely the European Parliament as the Council will decide by unanimity.

Liberal Democrats in both the European Parliament and the Commission have successfully acted to ensure that the draft directive covers all grounds of discrimination in all walks of life: a victory for equality and anti-discrimination   

Graham Watson

Graham Watson, leader of the ALDE group in the European Parliament declared " The European Parliament approved the current Commission on the basis that it honours its pledge to champion fundamental rights. Although it took some time to finalize, this week's proposal is a welcome sign that citizen's equality remains its priority. Liberal Democrats in both the European Parliament and the Commission have successfully acted to ensure that the draft directive covers all grounds of discrimination in all walks of life: a victory for equality and anti-discrimination".

Liz LYNNE (LibDem, United Kingdom), whose own initiative report on  this subject was adopted in last may by the European Parliament, and which has played a crucial role in this proposal, added:"  "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 need 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's treaties and my report succeeded in getting the message across to the Commission and Member States that there could be no hierarchy of discrimination with some forms considered more acceptable than others."

Sophie IN'T VELD (D66, The Netherlands): campaigning against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, notably through the campaign ALDE 4 Equality, said   "Discrimination of same-sex couples, married or in registered partnership, needs to end. All couples should have equal rights and advantages, including in the fields of free movement and family reunification."