ABSTRACT
In the quest for tolerance of sexual orientation in Ask No Questions, in human rights generally and in employment specifically, this chapter examines efforts against sexual orientation discrimination in the European Union (EU). As well as examining the European Court of Justice, it reviews the European Union treaties from their inception, as well as other important legislation, namely: the Treaty of Paris, the Treaty of Rome, the Maastricht Treaty, the Treaty of Amsterdam, the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR), the European Social Charter, the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and the Treaty of Lisbon. Finally, important European Council legislation affecting equal rights is analyzed, namely: Assembly Recommendation 924/1981 on discrimination against homosexuals, Council Directive 2000/78/EC Establishing a General Framework for Equal Treatment in Employment and Occupation, and Council Decision 2000/750/EC establishing a Community Action Program to Combat Discrimination (2001 to 2006).
