Press Release: EU proposes protection from discrimination beyond the workplace

On 2 July, 2008, the Commission adopted a proposal for a directive which provides for protection from discrimination on grounds of age, disability, sexual orientation and religion or belief beyond the workplace.

This new directive will ensure equal treatment in the areas of social protection, including social security and health care, education and access to and supply of goods and services which are commercially available to the public, including housing.

Eurobarometer surveys show that a large majority of Europeans support such legislation: 77% back measures to protect people from discrimination in education and 68% in access to goods and services.

• Primary Source

European Commission: Press Release: MEMO/08/461 (2.7.08): Commission proposal to ensure equal treatment beyond the workplace http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/08/461&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

ESO: Background information: Proposal for a Council Directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation http://www.europeansources.info/record/proposal-for-a-council-directive-on-implementing-the-principle-of-equal-treatment-between-persons-irrespective-of-religion-or-belief-disability-age-or-sexual-orientation/

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