Jean Lambert MEP (London)
Jean Lambert was first elected Green Party Member of the European Parliament for London in the 1999 European elections. She was
re-elected in 2004. Jean is one of nine MEPs representing London and one of two UK Green representatives in the European Parliament.
Jean Lambert
The European Parliament's Equalities Coalition consists of a series of inter-groups made up
of members from across the political divide. It includes the inter-groups on
aging,
disability,
race, and
lesbian and gays.
Jean is an active member of all of these groups.
The EU Directive on sexual orientation insists on equal treatment in employment, service provision and training, putting the burden of proof with the employer to show how employment practices do not breach the principle of equal treatment. Harassment is also deemed to be a form of discrimination. The Green/EFA Group were concerned to ensure that religious considerations did not over-ride sexual orientation. Through the Lesbian and Gay Rights Intergroup, Jean has called on the Commission to investigate the UK's proposed loophole on religious homophobia and employment.
The Greens have had to battle to maintain the EU commitment to anti-discrimination in the objectives of the new EU Constitution, the draft of which is currently being discussed by the Member State Governments. We have managed to ensure that Article 3 commits the EU to combating social exclusion and discrimination, and the promotion of social justice and protection, equality between women and men, solidarity between generations and protection of children's rights.
Jean has also been working to extend the EU definition of "family", which forms the
base upon which EU nationals may move freely. Her report on the coordination of social
security tried to tackle the issue of the recognition of partners' rights when accessing
certain social security provision should a partnership exercise the right to move.
Unfortunately her recommendations were not accepted by Council.
The Parliament's 2004 report on fundamental rights in the EU was written by a Green MEP. The report attempted to speak out in favour of sexual rights, including the right of gay and lesbian couples to adopt and marry, and of full equal rights to free movement in the EU of unmarried partnerships, be they heterosexual or homosexual. Unfortunately, the report was rejected by Parliament after heated debate.
www.jeanlambertmep.org.uk
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