Court Decision on Eliminating Gender Discrimination in Employment

In Case 149/77, Defrenne, the Court examines Article 119 of the EEC Treaty (141 of the EC Treaty) regarding its application. This article provides for equal pay for both men and women, and although it is limited only to the issue of remuneration and does not extend to other employment matters, it recognizes that the elimination of gender discrimination in the workplace is within the general principles of Community law. Consequently, this general principle can evolve into precise rules of law with direct guarantees and application.