Equality before the law

Everyone is equal before the law.

This right is enshrined in article 20 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

The authorities of EU countries are bound to comply with the Charter of Fundamental Rights only when implementing EU law. Fundamental rights are protected by your country's constitution.

Law

Your rights before the law can be broken down into different categories and are protected by the Commission through various directives

Directive 2000/43/EC against discrimination on grounds of race and ethnic origin.

Directive 2000/78/EC against discrimination at work on grounds of religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation.

Directive 2006/54/EC equal treatment for men and women in occupational social security schemes.

Directive 2010/41/EU equal treatment for men and women engaged in an activity in a self-employed capacity.

Directive 92/85/EEC protection of pregnant workers, workers who have recently given birth and women who are breastfeeding.

Directive Proposal (COM(2008)462) proposal against discrimination based on age, disability, sexual orientation and religion or belief beyond the workplace.

Directive 2004/113/EC equal treatment between men and women in the access to and supply of goods and services.

Chapter 3 of the EU Charter of fundamental rights is on equality. This chapter also contains the following rights

• equality before the law
• Non-discrimination
• cultural, religious and linguistic diversity
• equality between women and men
• the rights of the child
• The rights of the elderly
• integration of persons with disabilities