EU: The European Commission is considering introducing a proposal to ban sex discrimination in the media, advertising, and by insurance companies, Denis Staunton Brussels.
A spokeswoman for the Social Affairs Commissioner, Ms Anna Diamantopoulou, said consultations about a possible directive were at an early stage. "There have been technical consultations between the services of the Commission on a document but no political decision has been taken on whether that will be a proposal for a directive and if there is such a proposal what will be in it," she said.
The proposal under consideration is understood to be a far-reaching attempt to stop television programmes stereotyping men and women and to ban advertising that fails to respect human dignity. Insurance companies would no longer be able to consider the sex of an applicant when calculating premiums for insurance cover or pensions.
The Financial Times yesterday quoted a leaked copy of the consultation draft, which explained that it wanted to stop discrimination while respecting the right to free speech.
"The purpose of this provision is to avoid throughout all forms of mass media all stereotypical portrayals of women and men, as well as any projection of unacceptable images of men and women affecting human dignity and decency in advertisements," it said.
The insurance industry is understood to be concerned about the proposals, which could oblige them to charge women less than at present for health cover and more for car insurance.
The EU already has substantial anti-discrimination legislation covering the workplace but Ms Diamantopoulou is understood to be keen to offer greater protection in other areas.
Ms Diamantopoulou's spokeswoman said the consultations had been entirely internal to the Commission so far and declined to say when a decision will be made on whether or not to introduce a proposal.
"It will be made when the necessary reflection will be given to the consultation that has taken place," she said.