CHAPTER I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Principle of equal treatment
Article 4
1
For the purposes of this Directive, the principle of equal treatment between men and women shall mean that
a
there shall be no direct discrimination based on sex, including less favourable treatment of women for reasons of pregnancy and maternity;
b
there shall be no indirect discrimination based on sex.
2
This Directive shall be without prejudice to more favourable provisions concerning the protection of women as regards pregnancy and maternity.
3
Harassment and sexual harassment within the meaning of this Directive shall be deemed to be discrimination on the grounds of sex and therefore prohibited. A person's rejection of, or submission to, such conduct may not be used as a basis for a decision affecting that person.
4
Instruction to direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of sex shall be deemed to be discrimination within the meaning of this Directive.
5
This Directive shall not preclude differences in treatment, if the provision of the goods and services exclusively or primarily to members of one sex is justified by a legitimate aim and the means of achieving that aim are appropriate and necessary.