EU considers plans to outlaw racism

[Roland]

You either need specific laws or general clauses in civil law through which you take the "anti-discrimination" content from the state to individuals. This varies a lot in europe. France has quite strict laws on that, while in austrian newspapers it is not unusual to read job or rent ads with "nur Inländer" (only Austrians).

It is a very complex issue - a simple application would mean you could not "discriminate" in things like chosing your spouse....

[Saint Marcus]

Roland, I think Mark believes that Article 1 also refers to individuals. Saying individuals can't discriminate.

I'm no law student, but I know that Article 1 of the Constitution is always mentioned in discrimination cases that appear in court. Of course, I'm sure many lesser laws are about the issue too, and there are lots of gradations of what is discrimination and what is not, and in what cases limited discrimination might be accepted. Please note that positive discrimination also is not permitted (though it happens from time to time, and when it does you can expect yet another heated debate and probably a case in court).

That is what I find most offensive.

Funny that you want the right to discriminate. Even more funny that you find discrimination less offensive than a ban on it.

[Caligastia]

Originally posted by Mark L
Funny that you want the right to discriminate. Even more funny that you find discrimination less offensive than a ban on it.

If you dont have the right to "discriminate" it means you dont have the right to choose. To discriminate is to choose. English isnt your first language is it?

You should really specify what kind of discrimination you are talking about. Its less confusing that way.

[Saint Marcus]

English isn't my first language, and everyone here knows the discrimination I'm talking about.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Yes, there should be the right to discriminate. It is freedom of speech, and that should not be abrogated, except in the cases where it causes DIRECT physical harm to other individuals.

[Joe R. Golowka]

Europe is becoming as repressive as this side of the Atlantic.

And yes, we are the bastard children of Europe.