EU anti-discrimination legislation
24.8.2020
Question for written answer E-004595/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Maria Walsh (PPE), Sophia in 't Veld (Renew), Malin Björk (GUE/NGL), Marc Angel (S&D)
The principle of equality and the prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation have an extensive legal basis in the EU Treaties (Articles 10 and 19 of the TFEU, Articles 2 and 3 of the TEU).
However, findings in a recent Fundamental Rights Agency survey shows that in general, fear, violence and discrimination remain high among LGBTI people living in Europe. According to the survey, ‘one in five LGBTI respondents felt discriminated against at work’, and ‘more than one in three felt discriminated against when going out to eat, drink or being social’.
Similar, if not worse, results can be found outside of the EU, including in countries that have trade agreements or trade preferences with the EU.
- 1.Since the EU has limited influence over the social policy of its Member States, what measures can be taken to ensure national policies and legislation are not restricting LGBTI rights?
- 2.Will the Horizontal Anti-Discrimination Directive include discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics, and what action will the Commission take to unblock the adoption process for this legislation?
- 3.How do EU trade agreements and trade preferences, for which the Commission has competence, ensure respect and protection of the human rights of LGBTI persons?