by Rex Wockner
International News Briefs
The European Parliament's Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights has praised the Parliament's recent adoption of two reports.
A report on "Rights of EU citizens and their family members to move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States" calls on member nations to recognize the freedom of movement of all European Union citizens, including same-sex partners.
A second report backs the European Commission's Equality Treatment Directive proposal, which would outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation and other factors in housing, health care, education, social benefits and protections, and access to goods and services.
Employment discrimination based on sexual orientation already is prohibited by EU law.
"We warmly welcome both reports," said Intergroup President Michael Cashman. "When extremism is on the rise throughout Europe, we must speak out for those who suffer inequality, harassment and outright discrimination every single day. Now it is up to the (European Union's) Council to once and for all end the hierarchy of discrimination in Europe and affirm that all Europeans must be equally protected."
