Political dialogue requires respect for the opposing point of view

Twenty years ago, during my mandate as European commissioner for employment, social affairs and equal opportunities, the European Council adopted a directive to eliminate discrimination based on nationality, religion, sexual orientation and disability in employment and the economy.

I had proposed this directive to the European Commission and the European Parliament, and after long consultations in all countries and adoption by the Council, it became an EU directive. Today it is national legislation in all EU countries and accepted by their societies.

The consultation and political dialogue in each country had different characteristics and was very intense.

I remember the Irish labor minister coming in and out of the room and asking for breaks in the meeting because he was negotiating with six churches.

His main issue was whether gay men or women could be...