One third of EU states still discriminate against gays: watchdog

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

VIENNA (AFP) — A third of EU states are still failing to ensure equal rights for gays and lesbians, a report by the bloc's rights watchdog found Tuesday.

The investigation, by the Vienna-based EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), was particularly critical of the lack of provision for same-sex marriages in many member countries.

"Equal protection by EU anti-discrimination law remains an ideal, not a fact, for Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transsexuals (LGBT) living in many parts of the European Union," the FRA said in a statement to coincide with the publication of the report.

FRA Director Morten Kjaerum said this was a "cause of concern," noting that "equal treatment is a fundamental right that all members of our society should enjoy."

"More...