Employment
The introduction in 2000 of the EU Directive prohibiting discrimination in the workplace on the basis of sexual orientation represented an unexpected an much welcomed advance in the progress toward real equality for LGB people.
Although the Framework Directive gave an impetus for positive change in the public and private sectors in many EU countries, much work remains to be done to ensure the effectiveness and impact of equality legislations. If equality for LGBT people is to become a reality in the workplace, then reacting to inequality and discrimination is not going to do it. The focus has to be on measures and initiatives that actively promote equality.
To this end, ILGA-Europe produced a document which points to practical steps that can be taken to help realise the promise of equality in the workplace Going beyond the law as well as a fact sheet highlighting how employers can promote equality: "Good Business Practices: What can you do to promote equality?"
The European Commission’s Network of Legal Experts in non-discrimination has issued a new comparative analysis of anti-discrimination laws in the 25 EU Member States – drawing on the comprehensive country reports it has already produced. The report compares and contrasts the different national laws, identifying trends and common aspects in implementation of the Race and Employment Directives. By considering each of the different grounds of discrimination in turn and collectively, it provides a comprehensive overview of national legislation to combat discrimination across the EU.
The report is available in
English: www.europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/fundamental_rights/pdf/legnet/05compan_en.pd
French: www.europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/fundamental_rights/pdf/legnet/05compan_fr.pdf
German: www.europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/fundamental_rights/pdf/legnet/05compan_de.pdf
Mailing list for employment and LGBT issues
ILGA-Europe is facilitating and moderating a mailing list for information mainly around trade union LGBT work and business diversity.
Trade Unions & LGBT Equality
Trade Unions have a significant role to play in promoting equality in work places. International and European Trade Unions have embraced LGBT equality in their policies and work programmes.
International Business Equality Index
The International Business Equality Index is an exciting new development that challenges the international leading corporations to improve their performance on issues concerning Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) employees, suppliers and consumers.
Going Beyond the Law: promoting equality in employment (2nd edition, May 2007)
The introduction in 2000 of the EU Directive prohibiting discrimination in the workplace on the basis of sexual orientation represented an unexpected and much welcomed advance in the progress toward real equality for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people. The legislation offered the possibility of a transformation in the working life of lesbians, gays and bisexuals. No longer did they need to hide their sexual orientation for fear of harassment or discrimination. Such freedom would enable them to participate fully and openly and thus enjoy better social and professional relationships with their colleagues. Because of the new environment, they would better realise their career potential and bring home concrete benefits for their partners. Such was the promise.
The first version of this document, published in 2005, explored the extent to which that promise had been realised. The current edition, significantly revised and updated, looks at the state of transposition of the EU Directive, discusses its limitations and weaknesses in ensuring equality of LGB people in the employment, as well as the experience of LGB people of the legislation.
