BBC: Anti-discrimination plans put on ice
This weekend the BBC's weekly politics programme 'The Record: Europe' has a feature on a new EU anti-discrimination directive and the European Commission's plans not to include sexual orientation in the Directive.The programme features interviews with the representatives of the European Commission, the European Parliament and ILGA-Europe.
The Record: Europe is broadcast
- on Parliament on Saturdays at 2300 GMT, Sundays at 1700 GMT and Mondays at 1000 GMT,
- on BBC World on Saturdays at 1330 GMT and Sundays at 0730 GMT and
- on BBC News 24 on Sundays at 0530 GMT and Mondays at 0330 GMT.
BBC places the latest edition on the programme's website a few days after the broadcast so if you do not have access to abovementioned BBC channels you will be able to see it on following site:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/bbc_parliament/3005449.stm
19 April edition
Anti-discrimination plans put on ice
Gay rights campaigners were amongst those voicing anger in Brussels this week as a new anti-discrimination bill is shelved.
From back in 2004 to its work programme for this year, the European Commission had promoted a comprehensive bill covering discrimination in all areas of life on a range of grounds.
But faced with opposition from Germany amongst other Member States, in its first public interview on the subject the Commission now confirms to the BBC's Record: Europe that its ambitions will be lowered and only disability will be covered.
We'll be asking whether the Commission has thrown in the towel too early, as the International Gay and Lesbian Association tell Shirin Wheeler about fears of a 'hierarchy of rights'.
Also joining Shirin from the European Parliament, where the plans will go for review, are:
- Michael Cashman MEP, British Labour and Chair of the Gay and Lesbian Intergroup in the European Parliament
- Sophie In 't Veld MEP, Dutch Liberal
- Silvana Koch-Mehrin MEP, German Liberal
