diff --git a/eo/src/EO.h b/eo/src/EO.h
index 84552dad..e9ff84e7 100644
--- a/eo/src/EO.h
+++ b/eo/src/EO.h
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ public:
   /** Returns true if 
       @return true if the fitness is higher
    */
-  bool operator<(const EO& _eo2) {  return fitness() < _eo2.fitness();}
+  bool operator<(const EO& _eo2) const {  return fitness() < _eo2.fitness();}
 
   /// Methods inherited from eoObject
   //@{
@@ -117,12 +117,4 @@ private:
 
 //-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-template<class T> bool operator<(const EO<T>& _eo1, const EO<T>& _eo2)
-{
-  return _eo1.fitness() < _eo2.fitness();
-}
-
-//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-
 #endif EO_H