MEPs support call to put basic rights and health concerns first in debate on body scanner use
Date
20 Apr 2011
Sections
EU Priorities 2020
Health & Consumers
Security
The EP civil liberties committee today adopted an opinion report by Green MEP Judith Sargentini on the use of body scanners. After the vote, Judith Sargentini said:
"MEPs have today sent a message to the European Commission that fundamental rights and health concerns must be the priority in considerations on the deployment of body scanners. There are serious concerns about the potential impacts of the widespread use of body scanners - in airports and beyond - both in terms of privacy and public health and these cannot be ignored. To this end MEPs have called for the EP to included in the decision-making process for any EU proposals on body scanners.
"Crucially, MEPs have supported proposals to exclude the use of x-ray technology in body scanners. The committee also voted that citizens should have the right to choose a traditional security check instead of a body scanner, without leading to suspicion or prejudice. The Commission should take these concerns on board and ensure any proposals on the deployment of body scanners are in accordance with fundamental rights."
Richard More O'Ferrall,
Press and media officer, Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament,
Ph. +32 477443842