European Parliament approves extension of LGBT discrimination protection

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A report recommending the extension of protection against LGBT discrimination has been approved by the European Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee.

Currently, provisions only apply to discrimination on sexual orientation, age, disability or religion in the workplace.

The extension on legal protection will apply to areas such as healthcare and commercial services.

London Green MEP, Jean Lambert, who is a member of the committee and voted in favour of the report, commented: “The adoption of this report marks welcome progress on equal rights, particularly on access to goods and services.

“However, certain issues concerning family law are not included and we may face difficult negotiations to secure support across parties, given the positions of largest political groups in the European Parliament.”

Lambert cited the scenario of a lesbian black woman who would be legally protected from discrimination if it was on the ground of her race or gender, but not on the
basis of her sexual orientation.

She added: “The new directive aims to remedy this situation and fill the gaps left open by the existing legislation. I hope it will be fully supported by the European Parliament as a whole when it comes for vote in plenary.”

The European Parliament plenary session vote is due on April 2nd.

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