Date: 13 Jul 95 15:39:21 EDT
From: Nils KOCH <100524.2170@compuserve.com>

EGALITE (Equality for gays and lesbians in the European Institutions) are happy
to inform you on a small victory for the staff of the EU Parliament, thanks to
the help of some Parliament members (P. Pex, NL).
The Administration distributed a note to the staff on Wednesday July 5 giving
some social benefits to non-married partners. For the first time these partners
(including gays and lesbians) are
- entitled to take a language course
- entitled to an annual pass for admission to the Parliaments buildings and
restaurants.
The applicants must fill in a "Declaration of domestic partnership" (nearly a
marriage declaration) to obtain these benefits.
It may sound as a very small victory, but for those who are familiar with the
staff policy of the European Institutions, this is a big step, and it might open
the door for further equal rights.
Unfortunately this only covers the staff of the European Parliament and not the
other institutions such as Commission, Council etc. The group EGALITE will in
September ask for a meeting with the Commission on the problems on equal rights
for all staff and in all fields.
(We are only entitled to discuss the staff regulations in the Institutions, but
of course we also work for general recognition of these rights for all citizens
in the EU).
For more information, please contact:
Nils Koch, secretary of EGALITE, on e-mail:  n.koch@mhsg.cec.be