Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2006-06-14-Speech-3-240"
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"en.20060614.17.3-240"2
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".
Ladies and gentlemen, the concept of equality and tolerance has been part of European political thinking for centuries. I recall a Papal bull from the beginning of the 10th century, which opens with the words: ‘Does the sun not shine equally on all?’ Despite the existence of this concept, Europe has very often endured times of brutal intolerance, which have led to millions of deaths and people’s destinies cut short, not to mention those who have not been physically destroyed but who have lived under circumstances of intolerance.
Ladies and gentlemen, some historical events have been mentioned, and I feel that the experience of history is of vital importance. It begins inconspicuously with gradual backsliding on standards of tolerance and equal opportunities. Such barely perceptible beginnings eventually give rise to movements with real political clout, with the disastrous results that they bring.
That was why Europe established equal opportunities, tolerance and anti-discrimination as a cornerstone of its political thinking and of its political construction. In my view this is the most important value that forms part of the European project, as all the others are rather instruments. It is up to us to adopt effective measures at all levels wherever possible. This fight is not only a matter for Europe, for the Member States or for the various levels. No, ladies and gentlemen, this fight is a matter for every one of us as individuals.
I therefore feel most encouraged by the ideas which have emerged in this debate, and which show that in Parliament there is a strong desire to support the effective, proactive implementation of the ideas of equal opportunities, tolerance and the fundamental rejection of racism, anti-Semitism and homophobia."@en1
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