EN
The principle of equal rights for the same obligations is one of the core legal principles. A non-exhaustive catalogue of grounds for discrimination has been listed in the provisions of the constitutional as well as in the European law. This means that only certain grounds for discrimination are specified as examples in those provisions. These include sexual orientation. The commented judgement concerns the allegation of employment and labour discrimination (the so-called conditions for access to self-employment) and the anti-discrimination protection for self-employed persons, i.e. those providing services under a contract for specific work. The Court of Justice of the European Union found that the refusal, based on the sexual orientation of a person, to conclude or renew a contract with that person concerning the performance of specific work by that person in a self-employed activity is a potential factor of discrimination (to be examined by the national court) and cannot be justified by Article 5(3) of the Law on equal treatment. In particular, a position which accepts that freedom of contract allows a refusal to enter into a contract with a person on the basis of that person’s sexual orientation would be to deprive Article 3(1)(a) of Directive 2000/78 of its effectiveness (effet utile), in so far as that provision specifically prohibits any discrimination based on such a ground as regards access to self-employment. The co-authors agree with the position of the Court and with the reasoning presented, while also referring to both: the philosophical grounds of the equality principle and the consequent need for an inclusive approach, and to the concept of judicial dialogue provided by preliminary ruling mechanism.