Burden of Proof in Cases of Discrimination Based on Sex
Burden of Proof in Cases of Discrimination Based on Sex : European Union Directive 97/80 EC of 15 December 1997 on the burden of proof in cases of discrimination based on sex aims to ensure that the measures taken by European Union (EU) Member States to enable persons who consider themselves wronged by failure to apply to them the principle of equality to pursue their claims by judicial process, after possible recourse to other competent authorities, are made more effective. The principle of equal treatment means the absence of any discrimination based on sex, either directly or indirectly. Indirect discrimination exists where an apparently neutral provision, criterion or practice disproportionately disadvantages the members of one sex, unless the aim pursued by the application of this provision, criterion or practice is objectively justified and the means of achieving it are appropriate and necessary. The Directive applies to: The situations covered by Article 141, TEC (new Article III-108), and by Directives 75/117/EEC (principle of equal pay), 76/207/EC (access to employment, vocational training and promotion) and, insofar as discrim- ination based on sex is concerned, 92/85/EEC (protection of pregnant workers and those who have recently given birth or who are breastfeeding) and 96/34/EC (parental leave); Any civil or administrative procedure concerning the public or private sector, with the exception of out-of-court procedures. The Directive does not apply to criminal procedures, unless otherwise provided for by the EU Member States. Member States shall take such measures as are necessary in accordance with their national judicial systems to ensure that, where the plaintiff establishes, before a court or other competent authority, facts from which discrimination may be presumed to exist, it is for the defendant to prove that there has been no contravention of the principle of equality. Member States are not prevented from introducing evidential rules which are more favourable to the plaintiff. Measures taken by the Member States pursuant to the Directive, together with the provisions already in force, must be brought to the Glossary of labour law and industrial relations attention of all persons concerned. Implementation of the provisions of the Directive does not in any circumstances constitute sufficient grounds for justifying a reduction in the general level of protection of workers in the area to which it applies. See: Discrimination; Discrimination (employment and occupation); Sex discrimination, direct; Sex discrimination, indirect; Sex/gender system; Sexual harassment; Sexual violence
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