Deputy Premier for a Knowledge-based Society, European Affairs, Human Rights and Minorities Dušan Čaplovič said on January 23 that a proposal for an anti-discrimination amendment will meet Slovakia's obligations in the sphere of gender equality. Čaplovič was speaking at a meeting of the parliamentary committee for human rights, nationalities and the status of women. The obligations in question stem from EU regulations pertaining to the equal treatment of men and women in regard to their access to products and services.
"The Government's second anti-discrimination amendment proposal has been prepared for various reasons. I firmly believe that there will be a third amendment ready by the end of this year, as the European Commission is very active in this area, and so are MEPs," he said.
The committee also recommended that Parliament should approve the amendment. According to the deputy PM, Slovakia must react to formal recommendations that the European Commission made to Slovakia on June 27, 2007.
"If Slovakia doesn't carry out these recommendations, or if it doesn't seek a compromise on this issue, there is a threat of a legal complaint being filed ... against Slovakia, which would have to pay fines as a consequence. The fines range from €600,000 to €800,000," added Čaplovič. TASR
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
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