Anti-discrimination law takes effect

The antidiscrimination law passed by the Czech Parliament in June takes effect Tuesday. The law, which defines discriminatory conduct and emphasises equal opportunity, was crafted to bring the Czech Republic into line with EU norms. The Czech Republic was expected to pass an antidiscrimination act in 2004 upon entry to the EU, however it was vetoed by President Klaus, who called it unnecessary as basic rights were already covered by the constitution and other acts. The Czech Republic was the last European state to pass the prescribed antidiscrimination legislation.