Ban sought on sexual stereotyping
Brussels is said to be preparing new legislation to monitor sex discrimination outside the workplace. The proposal could lead to a ban on programmes and advertisements that stereotype women or men.
Crucially the courts will be able to decide what constitutes sexual stereotyping and what constitutes ‘images of men and women affecting human dignity and decency’.
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The extent to which this legislation will go in proscribing what may in fact be present in almost any portrayal of men or women, is not yet clear although safeguards on freedom of expression are thought to be included.
According to the Financial Times the legislation will also result in a ban on insurance companies calculating health or motor premiums on the basis of gender.
The draft is likely to be modified.
Insurance industry representatives and at least three Commissioners are said to want to water down the proposal, drafted by the Commissioner for Social Affairs, Anna Diamantopoulou.