Stop EU’s Equality Betrayal–Defend Anti-Discrimination Now!
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The EU plans to withdraw its draft Directive on anti-discrimination. Sign to demand they reconsider and work towards protection in all areas of life.

In a disheartening step backward for equality, the European Commission is considering the withdrawal of the proposed Directive on anti-discrimination—a pivotal measure designed to safeguard equal rights throughout the EU. This directive represents a commitment to combat discrimination in various sectors of public life, including access to healthcare, education, housing, and social benefits. It is particularly vital for protection against discrimination based on religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation, and is a baseline to further expand comprehensive protection to all groups at risk of marginalisation across all areas of life.

In 2008, the Commission proposed a Council directive aimed at extending equal treatment protections beyond the workplace. However, the proposal has been stalled for years due to a lack of unanimous agreement among EU member states, with only a few countries such as Czechia, Germany, and Italy blocking it before the Commission ultimately announced it would withdraw the proposal. As a result, millions of people remain vulnerable to systemic discrimination, and a hierarchy of protection has emerged, where some forms of discrimination are addressed more comprehensively than others.

This move comes at a time when far-right forces are gaining momentum in the EU and beyond, posing a significant threat to democracy, equality, and human rights across the continent. Instead of taking decisive action to protect groups at risk of marginalisation—including LGBTI+ people, older and younger people, persons with disabilities, religious minorities and those at the intersections of discrimination, including racialised people—the European Commission has chosen inaction, sending a dangerous message that equality is negotiable.

At a time when human rights protections should be strengthened, the EU cannot afford to retreat. By signing this petition, you join the call for European leaders to reaffirm their commitment to a Union of Equality. Demand that they reject any regression in anti-discrimination laws and work towards strengthening protections for all people.

This campaign is run by AGE Platform Europe, EL*C, ENAR, ERGO Network, IGLYO, ILGA-Europe, OII Europe and TGEU.

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people have signed
Goal: 20,000

To European Commission, European Parliament, Council of the EU, and EU member states that are blocking the directive, including Czechia, Germany, and Italy.:

We, the undersigned, express our deep concern over the European Commission’s plan to withdraw the proposed Directive on anti-discrimination without a stronger alternative plan.

We urge the European Commission to:

- Reverse the decision to withdraw the directive.
- Engage in an open, transparent consultation with civil society, Equality Bodies, and the European Parliament to ensure meaningful and effective protections for all.
- Should the withdrawal proceed, swiftly introduce a more robust and comprehensive anti-discrimination framework.
- Act decisively to uphold the EU's commitment to a Union of Equality, leaving no-one behind.

We call on the Council of the EU to hold a public session to address this critical matter openly and demand the European Commission provide a clear strategy moving forward. Additionally, we request the European Parliament to conduct a public hearing with the Commission to explore effective ways to bolster anti-discrimination laws.

The EU's leadership in human rights is at stake. Scrapping the proposed directive without a suitable replacement would severely damage the EU's reputation and leave millions vulnerable to discrimination. Member states with advanced equality protections in their national laws bear a greater responsibility in living up to the Union of Equality mission, while marginalised communities in countries with limited protections are exposed to inequality, resulting in a fragmented Union of rights.

We call on you to act now—protect equality, defend human rights, and ensure a future free from discrimination for all people in the European Union.

Campaign started by ILGA-Europe
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people have signed
Goal: 20,000
Campaign started by ILGA-Europe

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