MPs fail to pass ban on discrimination

05.11.2015 15:44

Ukrinform

The draft Labour Code of Ukraine, passed in the first reading, has no provision on prohibition of discrimination, including on grounds of sexual orientation, being one of the EU requirements for the abolition of visas for Ukrainians.

As an Ukrinform correspondent reports, Verkhovna Rada Chairman Volodymyr Hroisman proposed that the MPs should confirm "the possibility of amending the Code before the second reading."

The wording of the amendment was read out by MP Iryna Herashchenko on behalf of the Parliament’s Committee for European Integration, Justice Ministry and Foreign Ministry, "We demand to introduce the amendment prohibiting any discrimination in employment, inter alia, violation of the principle of equal rights and opportunities, direct or indirect restriction of rights, on grounds of skin color, political, religious and other beliefs, gender identity and sexual orientation."

However, the corresponding decision was supported by 117 MPs only with the minimum necessary number of 226 votes.

However, the amendment may be introduced within next three weeks.