Êaramanou
(PSE). – (EL) Madam President, as
International Women's Day approaches, next week, we are appalled by the level
of misogyny in Europe in the twenty-first century, despite the European Union's
policy of sexual equality. The exclusion of the world-famous soprano Monserrat
Caballe from an all-male club at the Liceu Opera in Barcelona cannot be
construed as an internal affair at the Opera and is certainly a violation of
the principle of sexual equality and Community legislation. And that is not
all, this decision by the Opera harps back to an age when the sciences and arts
were only open to men and it is an insult to all female artists and scientists.
I therefore call on you, Madam President, not to let this unhappy incident,
this unhappy decision pass unnoticed by the European Parliament and urge you to
take the necessary initiative.