The GENDERDOC-M expresses their deep indignation with today’s adoption of the decision “On proclamation of the city of Balti zone of support for Moldovan Orthodox Church and inadmissibility of aggressive propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientations” by the City Council of Balti, the second largest city in the Republic of Moldova. This shameful and absurd decision was voted by 23 out of 35 Council members. The decision’s draft had been proposed by the Communist Party, who has most representatives in the Council.

The decision’s preamble says, “considering particular importance and historic role of the Moldovan Orthodox Church as a state-establishing institute of the Republic of Moldova; considering traditional values of Moldovan society; incompatibility with modern democratic standards of aggressive intrusion of sexual behavior forms on the majority, which are characteristic for the most insignificant part of population; bearing responsibility for security (including ethical and moral one) of Balti city residents”.

In the first paragraph, Balti is proclaimed zone of “particular support for Moldova Orthodox Church”. In the second paragraph, a particular importance and paramount role of Moldovan Orthodox Church in the life, history and culture of Balti city residents is recognized. In the third paragraph, it is proposed to “prohibit aggressive propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientation in any of its manifestation, which is imposed by central authorities of the Republic of Moldova, within the city of Balti”.

The adopted decision breaches provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, regional and international human rights standards, such as European Convention on Human Rights, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and other instruments ratified by the Republic of Moldova. This meaningless decision cannot stand up to any criticism and can be contested at court nationally.

It is a matter of our concern that recent manifestations of homophobia, hate speeches and incitements to violence and discrimination against gay people have acquired a form of systematic attacks. They are quickly accelerating and gaining in strength now - during the current instable political situation. The hysteria and rush around the issues of LGBT people’s rights and adoption of the anti-discrimination legislation are generated by the pre-election race and discord among competing political forces. In this situation, LGBT community has become a scapegoat in political games chosen as such due to their marginalized social status in the Republic of Moldova.

We urge all national and international institutions, governmental and non-governmental bodies, international missions and delegations to the Republic of Moldova and human rights defenders to draw their particular attention to this dangerous situation when homophobia assumes the shape of institutionally adopted decisions and legislative initiatives.

The GENDERDOC-M Information Centre kindly asks you to distribute this information widely to any institutions and individuals you deem able to make an impact on preventing adoption of similar initiatives at primary stages before they cause irreparable injury. We will keep you updated about currents and progressing developments.