L’arrêt J.K. au prisme de la liberté contractuelle

Abstract

(Series Information) European Papers - A Journal on Law and Integration, 2023 8(3), 1201-1211 | European Forum Insight of 22 January 2024 | (Table of Contents) I. Introduction. - II. La condamnation d’une législation autorisant, au nom de la liberté contractuelle, la discrimination pour cause d’orientation sexuelle en matière d’emploi. - III. L’articulation entre droit à la non-discrimination pour cause d’orientation sexuelle et prise en compte des exigences professionnelles. - IV. L’articulation entre droit à la non-discrimination et liberté contractuelle en général. | (Abstract) In the J.K. case, the CJEU condemned Polish legislation derogating, in the name of the freedom to choose a contract, from the prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment and occupation. However, one may wonder about the scope of this decision concerning the exemptions permitted by Directive 2000/78 when specific professional requirements are claimed, such as the prevention of internal social conflicts or respect for company doctrine. Likewise, we may question the scope of the decision for contractual freedom in general. To what extent may the contract be the site of justified discrimination?.

Keywords

• discrimination
• sexual orientation
• contractual freedom
• occupational requirements
• balancing of prerogatives
• directive 2000/78/ce