MEPs condemn Tory vote on anti-discrimination

02.04.09

Euro-MPs voted today to enhance protection against discrimination across Europe.

The new legislation will combat discrimination on grounds of disability, religion or belief, age, or sexual orientation. It will apply to social protection and health care, social benefits, education and access to goods and services including housing. Citizens will also be protected from multiple discrimination, based on two or more grounds.

Michael Cashman MEP, Labour’s spokesperson for Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, said: “We cannot allow a hierarchy of equality rights and this legislation aims to guarantee protection against discrimination on all grounds to ensure a fair and equal society in Europe. When extremism is on the rise throughout Europe, we must speak out for those who suffer inequality, harassment and outright discrimination every single day!”

The majority of the Conservative MEPs abstained in today’s vote, while others voted against, maintaining their record in refusing to give support to anti-discrimination legislation.

Michael Cashman MEP said, “Refusing to support this legislation to combat discrimination demonstrates just what Tory values are really about. It shows that the Tories cannot be trusted with fundamental rights, such as equal treatment.”

“Cameron talks the ‘inclusive’ talk but his MEPs reveal that the nasty party is alive and voting in Europe. They will have to answer to their conscience and their voters why they believe that people should not be treated equally.”

Labour MEPs will keep up the pressure to ensure that Member States now adopt this proposal.