Brussels (Brussels Morning – November 14, 2013) Flemish MP and professor Boudewijn Bouckaert (LDD) has launched a scathing critique against the proposed cooperation agreement to establish an interfederal anti-discrimination center (IFC). With a meticulously researched speech, Bouckaert dismantled the cooperation agreement, currently under debate in the Flemish Parliament, which aims to centralize the handling of discrimination cases in Belgium, excluding language and gender-based discrimination.
Is the Interfederal Anti-Discrimination Center Necessary?
During the parliamentary debate, Bouckaert denounced the agreement as “politically reprehensible,” expressing concerns about the potential for prosecuting opinions and labeling the IFC as a “thought police.” He questioned the effectiveness of existing anti-discrimination measures, arguing that they contribute to societal discord rather than addressing the root causes of discrimination. Bouckaert emphasized the voluntary nature of establishing the IFC, suggesting that it exceeds the requirements set by European directives and undermines Flemish autonomy.
What Alternatives Does Bouckaert Propose?
Bouckaert advocates for a Flemish-centered approach to addressing discrimination, criticizing the absence of a dedicated anti-discrimination center within Flanders itself. He highlights linguistic differences between Flemish and French-speaking communities regarding perceptions of racism, accusing the latter of perpetuating a narrative of collective guilt against Flanders. Additionally, Bouckaert questions the composition and independence of the IFC’s governing board, challenging the equal representation of Flemish and French speakers and the criteria for selecting board members.
As Minister of Equal Opportunities Pascal Smet (sp.a) prepares to respond to Bouckaert’s criticisms on December 5, the debate surrounding the establishment of the IFC continues to intensify, underscoring the complexity of addressing discrimination in Belgium’s diverse linguistic and cultural landscape.
