Proposal for a Council Directive on implementing the principle of equal treatment between persons irrespective of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation

This proposed directive will increase the protection from discrimination for age, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation to the same level as that currently applicable in relation to discrimination on grounds of sex and race.

This proposal should lead to a more consistent standard of protection from discrimination across the European Union for all the prohibited grounds of discrimination. In order to achieve the maximum common understanding of the standards for non-discrimination the same terms, definitions and principles as in the existing directives should be used.

Where the proposed directive suggests a lesser standard than the existing standards for sex and race, this is noted. Provisions on multiple discrimination are needed and consideration should be given to the need to increase legal certainty, in greater definition, of the material scope of the proposed directive.

ESO: Background information: EU proposes protection from discrimination beyond the workplace http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-eu-proposes-protection-from-discrimination-beyond-the-workplace/

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