Today the European Parliament rejected moves to stall or limit the extension of European legal protection against discrimination on grounds of age, disability, faith and belief, race and ethnic origin, and sexual orientation. Reacting to the debate on the Elizabeth Lynne MEP’s report, which was adopted with 362 votes in favour and 262 against, London’s Green MEP Jean Lambert said:
"The European Commission must get tough with Member States to protect all the citizens of Europe. If some governments oppose new anti-discrimination legislation they should explain to us all why they condone discrimination against particular groups in their society.
"An anti-discrimination framework would offer the hope of equality for many currently disadvantaged groups across Europe. If we do not succeed in developing a comprehensive directive we will have missed a great chance and will have failed all those who face oppression and unfair treatment.
"Many people do not suffer from discrimination on one ground alone, so to create legislation covering only one area would be misguided. It would also perpetuate the hierarchy of discrimination, with some groups being better protected than others. Along with my colleagues who fought for this directive in the first place, I will continue to demand that a directive covering all types of discrimination is developed as soon as possible."