Moldova News & Reports 2005-08

Position by Information Centre GenderDoc-M, the only organization in Moldova to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. On 22nd of February the EU-Moldova Action Plan agreed under the European Neighbourhood Policy, was signed by the Moldovan Government in Brussels. It sets ambitious objectives based on commitments to shared values and effective implementation of political, economic and institutional reforms. The Action Plan also provides a strong base for improvement of human rights situation in Moldova.

The Action Plan underlines that the “level of ambition of the [EU-Moldova] relationship will depend on the degree of Moldova’s commitment to common values”, the most fundamental of which are liberty and solidarity, tolerance and human rights, democracy and the rule of law. As part of the Human Rights and fundamental freedoms commitments the Moldovan authorities are required to “put in place and implement legislation on anti-discrimination and legislation guaranteeing the rights of minorities, in line with the European standards”. The Plan also provides that Moldova shall implement action foreseen in Moldova’s National Human Rights Action Plan, which includes adoption of anti-discrimination legislation for the lesbian, gay and bisexual community.

During the enlargement process, the EU has taken a strong position, that there can’t be membership perspective for a country, which discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation. Moreover, the countries should undertake positive actions, putting in place anti-discrimination legislation. Article 13 of the Treaty of Amsterdam specifically empowers the EU to take action to combat discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. The future Constitution for the EU prohibits “any discrimination based on any ground such as … sexual orientation”.

In this context GenderDoc-M would like to call on Moldovan government as well as on the Moldovan Parliament to adopt and implement anti-discrimination legislation, which shall include sexual orientation grounds. Furthermore, we ask our government to take positive action in combating discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. GenderDoc-M in cooperation with international human rights organizations will closely monitor implementation of the above-mentioned provisions by Moldovan state authorities, and will submit reports on the progress to the relevant EU institutions. We would also like to call embassies, EU institutions and foreign embassies in Moldova to monitor fulfillment of above-mentioned commitments by Moldovan government and take up the issue with them when relevant.

For more information, please contact us at:
genderdoc_m@mdl.net or by phone: /37322/ 544420, 276094
Contact person: Maxim Anmeghichean
Internet: www.gay.md

May 18, 2005 – UK Gay News

2
Moldovan Authorities Ban Gay Rally Outside Parliament
Despite setback, Fourth Moldovan Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride will take place as planned

Chisinau, Moldova – Just days before the fourth Pride event to be staged in the Moldova capital, organizers received a set-back when they were refused permission to hold a rally outside Parliament. Municipal authorities of Chisinau have refused to allow the rally in support of anti-discrimination legislation for sexual minorities. The rally, organized by LGBT group Information Centre GenderDoc-M, was planned for Friday as part of the city’s Pride activities.

In his rejection letter, the interim city mayor Mr. Vasile Ursu said that Moldova “has already a law on national minorities” and there is no point in a rally. During the discussion by the municipal committee of the declaration to hold a rally, such reasons as church opinion and the fact that “in Moldova minorities are more protected than the healthy and native population” were mentioned.

GenderDoc-M said in a statement that the position of the authorities was “irrelevant (and), used with the only purpose to refuse its authorization”. The refusal, the group says, violates basic human rights such as the freedom of expression and freedom of assembly guaranteed by the European Convention for Human Rights. “ The decision of the municipal authorities undermines the Moldovan authorities’ commitments under the EU-Moldova Action Plan, which include the adoption of anti-discrimination legislation in-line with the European standards,” said Maxim Anmeghichean, executive director of GenderDoc-M. “ We are taking the case before the Court of Appeal where we hope to find a rational judgment. We also call upon representatives of the European institutions and the EU Member States to touch upon the subject of LGBT rights with the Moldovan authorities, and in particular of this incident,” he added.

Despite the setback, the Fourth Moldovan Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride “Rainbow over the Nistru – 2005” will take place as planned between Friday May 20 and Sunday May 22. The program includes the movie week, transgender discussion club, international conference on LGBT advocacy, football match between straight men and lesbian women, concerts and other events Pride guests of honor will be Mr. Gustav Fridolin, member of the Swedish Parliament, Mr. Hans Ytterberg, Ombudsman for Sexual Minorities Rights (Sweden), and Mrs. Deborah Lambilotte, intersexual gender activist (Belgium). Other guests include LGBT activists from Great Britain, Austria, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Romania, the Netherlands and other countries.

For more information please contact Maxim Anmeghichean, GenderDoc-M Executive Director at director@gay.md
More information about the pride is available at www.gay.md
Gay Moldova URL: http://www.gay.md/new/

30 May 2005 – From: "Maxim Anmeghichean"

3
GenderDoc-M announces Executive Director Post vacancy

Please, distribute this announcement to all potentially interested people!

Information Centre "GenderDoc-M" announces a job vacancy for the Executive Director post.

The post is the highest Executive post in an NGO that works for promotion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights in Moldova. Responsibilities: – management of the entire organization (10 staff members, volunteers) – financial management – project management and implementation – fundraising – participation in public events (being the voice and face of Moldovan LGBT community) – planning and organizational development – international cooperation with regional and Western European partners Requirements: – higher education is a must, Masters degree preferred – management experience of at least 2 years – good knowledge of Moldovan civil society – excellent media relations skills – understanding or commitment to learn more about LGBT issues – professional knowledge of English, Romanian and Russian GenderDoc-M at the moment implements 8 projects within five programmes, and operates an annual budget of around 100 000 euros.

Our funders include Open Society Institute, Cordaid, Soros Foundation Moldova, Swedish Helsinki Committee, British Embassy, etc. We offer a competitive salary. Becoming GenderDoc-M Executive Director offers an opportunity to lead a team of professional, dynamic and creative people, devoted to the values of tolerance and human rights.

Please, submit your application, consisting of a CV (indicating at least two references) and a motivation letter not later than 1 July 2005 to the e-mail: director@gay.md or by fax: /37322/ 220201.

For additional information please call at /37322/ 276094, 544420 (Max, Boris).

For more information about the organisation please visit www.gay.md GenderDoc-M is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, disability, race, ethnic origin or sexual orientation.

Maxim Anmeghichean, Executive Director Information Center GenderDoc-M C.P.
422, MD 2004 Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Phone: /37322/ 544420, 544054
Fax: /37322/ 220201
E-mail: director@gay.md
Internet: www.gay.md
GenderDoc-M vision is a world in which the LGBT community is visible and itegral part of with equal rights.

16 May 2005 – From: Maxim Anmeghichean, Director Gay Moldova (GenderDoc-M )

4
Moldovan Authorities Deny the Right for Peaceful Manifestation of LGBT Organization

Municipal authorities of Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, have refused to authorize a peaceful manifestation in support of anti-discrimination legislation for sexual minorities. The manifestation was planned to take place on 20 May before the Moldovan
Parliament within the Fourth Moldovan LGBT Pride, organized by the Information Centre GenderDoc-M.

In his rejection letter the interim city mayor Mr. Vasile Ursu makes reference to the fact, that Moldova "has already a law on national minorities" and there is no point in a manifestation. During the discussion by the municipal committee of the declaration to hold a manifestation, such reasons as church opinion and the fact that "in Moldova minorities are more protected than the healthy and native population" were mentioned.

GenderDoc-M considers these arguments irrelevant, used with the only purpose to refuse its authorization. Moreover, the refusal violates basic human rights such as the freedom of expression and freedom of assembly guaranteed by the European Convention for Human Rights. The decision of the municipal authorities undermines the Moldovan authorities’ commitments under the EU-Moldova Action Plan, which include the adoption of anti-discrimination legislation in-line with the European standards.

GenderDoc-M is taking the case before the Court of Appeal where it hopes to find a rational judgment. "We also call upon representatives of the European institutions and the EU Member States to touch upon the subject of LGBT rights with the Moldovan authorities, and in particular of this incident."

Despite this unpleasant event the Fourth Moldovan Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride "Rainbow over the Nistru – 2005" will take place as planned during 20-22 May 2005. The program includes the movie week, transgender discussion club, international conference on LGBT advocacy, football match between straight men and lesbian women, colorful concerts, etc.

Pride guests of honor are Mr. Gustav Fridolin, member of the Swedish Parliament, Mr. Hans Ytterberg, Ombudsman for Sexual Minorities Rights (Sweden), and Mrs. Deborah Lambilotte, intersexual gender activist (Belgium). Other guests include LGBT activists from Great Britain, Austria, Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Romania, the Netherlands and other countries.

For more information please contact Maxim Anmeghichean, GenderDoc-M Executive Director at director@gay.md
Phone: /37322/ 544420, 544054.
More information about the pride is available at www.gay.md —
Maxim Anmeghichean,
Executive Director
Information Center GenderDoc-M
C.P. 422, MD 2004
Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Phone: /37322/ 544420, 544054
Fax: /37322/ 220201
E-mail: director@gay.md
Internet: www.gay.md
GenderDoc-M vision is a world in which the LGBT community
is visible and itegral part of with equal rights.

13 June 2005 – Genderdoc

5
Moldovan Court Declares Illegal the Refusal to Authorize a Public Manifestation of a Gay Organization

The Moldovan Court of Appeal has declared illegal and void the refusal of the Chisinau municipal authorities to give permission for a public pride manifestation of a gay organization. The case was brought to the court by the Information Centre GenderDoc-M in May 2005. The peaceful manifestation in support for anti-discrimination legislation for sexual minorities and legal recognition of same-sex relationships was to be held on 20 May 2005 within the Fourth Moldovan LGBT Pride "Rainbow over the Dnister".

In his rejection letter the interim city mayor Vasile Ursu made reference to the fact, that Moldova "has already a law on national minorities" and there is no point in a manifestation. During the discussion by the municipal committee of the declaration to hold a manifestation, such reasons as church opinion and the fact that "in Moldova minorities are more protected than the healthy and native population" were mentioned.

The Court decision states: "It is incontestable that GenderDoc-M enjoys the right to organize peaceful manifestations in accordance with the article 40 of the Constitution". The Court underlines that "making a decision on authorization or refusal to authorize a public gathering can not be conditioned by the nature of problems upon which public manifestation participants want to draw the attention of the society". The court found the municipal authorities’ decision illegal and charged them to pay the state tax and to reimburse GenderDoc-M’s expenses.

The GenderDoc-M Executive Director Maxim Anmeghichean says: "We didn’t put much hope originally into the Moldovan justice system and were determined to go all the way to the European Court for Human Rights. The court’s judgment follows the European human rights standards and shows that even in Moldova the rule of law may be a reality for its LGBT communities.

Refusals of authorization of peaceful LGBT manifestations seems to be a trend in Eastern European countries, as similar decisions were taken by municipal authorities in Bucharest, Warsaw and Krakow. We would like to express our solidarity with Polish and Romanian LGBT communities and to call upon Council of Europe, OSCE and EU to put pressure on our governments in enforcing the right to public manifestation". GenderDoc-M, the only organization in Moldova to promote LGBT rights, plans to organize a public pride manifestation next year in May during its anniversary Fifth LGBT pride.

For more information please contact us at e-mail (director@gay.md), phone (/37322/ 544420, 276094) or visit our web-page at www.gay.md

26 September 2005 – GenderDoc-M C.P.

6
Discrimination against sexual minorities is inadmissible

Moldova must guarantee the fundamental rights of sexual minorities.This resides in the resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) regarding the functionality of democratic structures in the Republic of Moldova

The resolution was adopted by PACE based on the report on human rights, prepared by Josette Durrieu (France) and Andre Kvakkestad (Norway). In the report the refusal of a peaceful demonstration in front of the Moldovan Parliament in order to bring attention to the rights of sexual minorities is treated with special attention.

In particular, in the report there is mentioned: "During our last visit to Chisinau, representatives of the gay and lesbian NGO "GenderDoc-M" complained that the city’s municipal authorities had refused to authorise a peaceful demonstration. The aim of the
gathering was to demand legislation to prohibit discrimination against sexual minorities, and especially to adopt anti-discriminatory legislation…

Pending a satisfactory response, we wish to point out that democratic governments are required to respect the fundamental rights of all their citizens and that discrimination against sexual minorities is inadmissible". We want to stress that Information Centre "GenderDoc-M" won the case against the refusal of the City Hall in the appeal court, although after the municipal authorities appealed, the case was re-addressed to the Supreme Court. "We are ready to go through all the necessary procedures straight to the European Court for Human Rights," says director of the Centre Boris Balanetkii. "The refusal of the City Hall was criticized by a great many European officials, and it does not present a positive image for Moldova as a democratic country".

For more information about the situation of the LGBT community in
Republic of Moldova, see the web site www.gay.md—
Boris Balanetkii,
Executive Director
Information Center GenderDoc-M
C.P. 422, MD 2004
Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
Phone: /37322/ 544420, 544054
Fax: /37322/ 220201
E-mail: director@gay.md
Internet: www.gay.md
GenderDoc-M vision is a world in which the LGBT community is visible and integral part of with equal rights.

19 Jan 2006 – From "Boris Balanetkii"

7
Letter Requesting Clarification of Civil Law Regarding Prejudice by Policeman

Subject: Declaration of the President of "GenderDoc-M" To the Parliamentary Commission for the Protection of Human Rights To the General Prosecutor’s Office, To the Ministry of Justice, To the Ministry of Internal Affairs

Honorable Sirs,
In October 2005, "GenderDoc-M" spread an open letter of the employees of the information center addressed to MPs, Parliamentary Lawyers, Ministries of Internal Affairs and Justice, General Prosecutor’s Office of the Republic of Moldova.

In this letter, we were sad to tell that at a seminar for policemen organized within the skills development program, a superior police officer in the rank of a lieutenant colonel, summing up the seminar, not just expressed his opinion on gays and lesbians, but, practically, called to punish them. In particular, he said: "For me, the main law is the Law of God, according to which homosexuality is a sin and those who commit it shall die." And he added with pride that he had already participated (and maybe even organized) in the illegal picketing of the disco-bar "Chaos" in May 2004, where the final festivities of the third festival of gays and lesbians of Moldova "Rainbow over the Nistru" were going on.

In the letter, we also expressed our regret that, within the law enforcement bodies, there are superior officers-homophobes, disturbers of the public order (otherwise, how can we call the participation of a police officer in an illegal picketing).

And we asked a few questions, including two that were not at all debatable. These questions were: "Is the public statement of a police officer that "homosexuality is a sin and those who commit it shall die" a call to punish gays and lesbians?" and "Is the participation of a superior police officer in an illegal picketing of the disco-bar "Chaos" in May 2004 legal?"

These questions were addressed of course to the General Prosecutor’s Office and not to the Ministry of Internal Affairs our letter was readdressed to and where from we received an answer deserving to make the history of classical formal replies.

The content of it is: "In response to the open letter of the employees of "GenderDoc-M" Information Center, an in-depth investigation has been carried out, the findings of which are as follows:

The opinions expressed at the seminar carried out in October by "GenderDoc-M" Information Center (the employees of the center were invited to and not organized the seminar – A.M.), reflect the civil position of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. These opinions do not reflect the position of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, as the fundamental law of the state, acknowledges and guarantees the rights of all the citizens to the same extent. Article 16 p.2 of the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova stipulates: "All the citizens of the Republic of Moldova are equal before the law and authorities regardless of race, nationality, ethnic background, language, religion, sex, beliefs…"

Moreover, Art.32 (1) of the Constitution of the RM stipulates: "Every citizen is guaranteed the freedom of thinking, opinion, and public expression through words…" In compliance with Art.8 of the Labor Code, any discrimination of the employee, either direct or indirect, on the basis of sex, race, ethnic background and religion, political belief, social background, place of residence, intellectual or physical disabilities, trade union activity, as well as other criteria not related to professional skills is prohibited".

The letter is signed by the deputy head of the General Department of State Security of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, police lieutenant colonel V. Mihailescu.

And we would like to thank the officer for the good job he has done as the lawyer of his employee (or maybe chief?).

Moreover, we are ready to sign under every word of the letter, especially in the part where it says about the equality of all the citizens before the law and authorities, about the guaranteed freedom of opinions and freedom of public expression through words, gestures, or other possible ways. We hope that you include gays and lesbians in the list of persons with equal rights. They have kept being refused to lay flowers to the statue of Stefan cel Mare or to the Military Fame Memorial for two years already. And in May 2005, they were not allowed by the City Hall to make a peaceful manifestation.

Now, a superior police officer refuses them their right to live. We do not ask to violate the Labor Code, especially as concerns the discrimination of citizens on any ground, except for one. It is about professional skills. Let us be honest and say directly: a person who does not keep the law (participation in an illegal picketing) and calls to the death of someone regardless of where he does it does not have the right to work in the law enforcement bodies.

Open the Constitution of the country and read Art.32 to the end. Point 2, for example, stipulates: "The freedom of expression must not damage the honor, dignity, or the right of another person to have his/her own beliefs".

The officer damaged my honor and dignity, under the threat of death depriving me and thousands of people like me to have our own beliefs.

Do you intend to contest this? Then continue reading. Point 3 of the same article: "It is prohibited and punished by the law (…) to call to discrimination (…) public violence…" Can you see what the fundamental Law of the country says?

In other words, I would like to ask the legal experts of the Ministry of Justice and the prosecutors of the General Prosecutor’s Office to define the words: "For me, the main law is the Law of God, according to which homosexuality is a sin and those who commit it shall die", as well as the actions of the police superior officer who took part in the illegal picketing of the disco-bar "Chaos" in May 2004.

It was you, the prosecutors, whom the questions were addressed to, but you readdressed them to the institution the officer who was calling to punish gays and lesbians and who had taken part in an illegal mass public event worked.

That is why we kindly ask you again to give us a full and qualified answer to these questions that are vital to us.

It is necessary to know weather the gays and lesbians of Moldova are protected by the government and its law enforcement bodies or not. Until now, according to the response we have got, we can say that we are not protected, because in our country, a law enforcement officer can commit anti-constitutional actions that would be then qualified as "reflect the civil position of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova".

Alexei Marcicov, President of "GenderDoc-M" — Boris Balanetkii, Executive Director Information Center GenderDoc-M C.P. 422, MD 2004 Chisinau, Republic of Moldova Phone: /37322/ 544420, 544054 Fax: /37322/ 220201 E-mail: director@gay.md Internet: www.gay.md GenderDoc-M vision is a world in which the LGBT community is visible and itegral part of with equal rights.

27 Mar 2006 – From: "Boris Balanetkii"

8
Fifth Moldovan Gay and Lesbian Pride to be held in Chisinau in May 2006

Dear friends and colleagues! We are glad to announce that Fifth Moldovan Lesbian and Gay Pride "Rainbow over the Nistru" will take place this year in Chisinau on 5-7 May.

This year in the Pride program a lot of activities dedicated to anti-discrimination in Moldova.

It includes:
– Laying of flowers at the Monument of victims of repression,
– demonstration of solidarity with the LGBT community of Moldova "Support the anti-discrimination law!"
– International conference "Anti-Discrimination Law: Structure, Experience and Lobby Issues",
– workshops "The Legislative Framework as a Lobbying Tool of the LGBT Community Interests",
– opening of the exhibition "Art Against Homophobia".
– week of topical movies, the premier of the movie "Brokeback Mountain",
– reception in honor of guests and journalists who have been accredited to cover Pride, accredited at the pride,
– solemn ceremonies in honor of Pride opening and closing,
– festivity concerts,
– "Safer Sex Promotion Party"

More detailed information you can obtain at director@gay.md and tel: /373 22/276094
Looking forward to seeing you on our activities
Boris Balanetkii, Executive Director Information Center GenderDoc-M C.P. 422, MD 2004 Chisinau, Republic of Moldova Phone: /37322/ 544420, 544054 Fax: /37322/ 220201 E-mail: director@gay.md Internet: http://www.gay.md/eng/
GenderDoc-M vision is a world in which the LGBT community is visible and itegral part of with equal rights.

April 28, 2006 – "Boris Balanetkii"

9
For a second year Moldovan authorities deny LGBT community right to a peaceful demonstration

The city authorities of Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, have refused to authorize a peaceful demonstration in support of the adoption of anti-discrimination legislation for sexual minorities. The demonstration was planned to take place on 5 May in front of the Moldovan Parliament as part of the Fifth Moldovan LGBT Pride festival, organized by the Information Centre GenderDoc-M.

In the rejection letter the interim city mayor Mr. Vasile Ursu states that the decision was made in order to avoid public disorder with serious consequences for society. The decision Nr.417-d reads: "Based <….>on the statements of religious organizations that they will organize protest actions if the demonstration organized by GenderDoc-M is allowed, and also based on letters of complaint from individuals living in Chisinau and registered in the city, which also say that protest actions will be organized, <…> the demonstration in the form of a solidarity march, planned by Information Center "GenderDoc-M" for 5 May 2006, will not be authorized".

GenderDoc-M considers these arguments irrelevant and developed for the sole purpose of justifying the refusal to authorise the demonstration. Moreover, the refusal violates the basic human rights of freedom of expression and assembly guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights. The decision of the city authorities undermines the Moldovan authorities’ commitments under the EU-Moldova Action Plan, which include the adoption of anti-discrimination legislation in line with European standards. GenderDoc-M is challenging the ban before the Court of Appeal which it hopes will deliver a rational judgment. We also call upon representatives of the European institutions and the EU Member States to raise the subject of LGBT rights, and particularly this incident, with the Moldovan authorities.

Despite this event the Fifth Moldovan Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Festival, "Rainbow over the Nistru – 2006" will take place as planned from 5 – 7 May 2006. All the events will be organized in a peaceful manner. The Pride programme includes a movie week, an international conference on anti-discrimination issues, a football match between lesbian teams, legislative theatre, colourful concerts, etc. Guests from Sweden, Russia, Ukraine, Romania, the Netherlands, Belgium, and other countries will take part.

For more information please contact Boris Balanetkii, GenderDoc-M Executive Director at director@gay.md or by phone: /37322/ 544420, 544054. — Boris Balanetkii, Executive Director Information Center GenderDoc-M C.P. 317, MD 2001 Chisinau, Republic of Moldova Phone: /37322/ 544420, 544054 Fax: /37322/ 220201 E-mail: director@gay.md Internet: www.gay.md

February 13, 2007 – GenderDoc-M

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Refusal of Chisinau City Hall to Authorize the Solidarity March of LGBT people is Against the Law

The Supreme Court of the Republic of Moldova has communicated today its decision on the hearing held on 20.12.2006, saying that the refusal of the Chisinau city hall to authorise the gay and lesbian solidarity march was illegal. The request for authorization was filed in March of 2006 by the Centre “GenderDoc-M” with the purpose of promoting LGBT rights and anti-discrimination legislation for minorities.

The Supreme Court’s decision says: “From the case materials it is clear that the Information Centre “GenderDoc-M works on gender issues and protection of the rights of sexual minorities, thus being an organization with objectives, which do not contravene national legislation and international human rights law. The Supreme Court considers unjustified the refusal of the Chisinau city hall to authorize a march of solidarity by GenderDoc-M reasoning it with possible threat to the public order, as this motive is disproportional with the right to freedom of assembly, guaranteed by Art.11(2) of the European Convention for Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms”.

Since May 2005 GenderDoc-M has filed three requests to the Chisinau city hall for authorization of public manifestations, all of which were refused by reason of threat these manifestations may pose to the public order and the opinion of faith-based organizations. The latter was expressed in numerous letters the city hall has received. GenderDoc-M attacked these decisions in courts, the first case being lost in all national courts and now prepared to be lodged with the European Court of Human Rights. The Chisinau authorities were criticized for their discriminatory decisions by the Council of Europe, the EU and the United Nations, as well as some Western European governments in the framework of bilateral relations.

“We salute the decision of the Supreme Court, which we hope will put a political end in open discrimination of the LGBT community by Chisinau city authorities”, said the GenderDoc-M Chair Alexei Marcicov. “It is the win of consciousness, law and human rights over prejudice and intolerance”.

Information Centre GenderDoc-M plans public manifestations within the VI LGBT Pride “Rainbow over the Dnister”, which will be held between 27-29 April of this year. The program foresees public celebration of diversity and equality in the central part of the capital.

For more information you can contact GenderDoc-M Executive Director Boris Balanetkii at +37322 276094 or via e-mail: director@gay.md

To learn more about GenderDoc-M you can visit their web-site: www.gay.md/eng

Boris Balanetkii
Executive Director

Information Center GenderDoc-M
C.P. 317, MD 2001
Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

19 April 2007 – From: Boris Balanetkii, Executive Director Gender-Doc, Moldova

11
Moldovan Gay Pride ban: Statement by the Mayor of London

Mayor of London Ken Livingstone today issued a statement on the Moldovan authorities banning the gay pride march in the capital of Chisinau.

The Mayor said:
‘I strongly condemn the decision by Chisinau City Council to ban the city’s gay pride march. This is an unacceptable attack on universal human rights in clear defiance of national and international human rights law. It also contravenes a recent decision by the Moldovan Supreme Court, which robustly defends the right of all Moldovan citizens, including LGBT people, to freedom of expression, assembly and peaceful protest.

‘It is completely unacceptable that violent threats to public safety, including anti-gay counter-demonstrations by religious and far right organizations, can override basic human and civil rights. The Moldovan authorities control security and their police forces have a responsibility to take all steps to protect citizens from violence and ensure that demonstrators are able to exercise their right to peaceful protest.

‘The European Parliament has made clear that lesbian and gay people should be treated with ‘respect, dignity and protection’. Moldova is clearly not doing this. I urge Chisinau City Council to comply with national and international law, reverse this ban and ensure that the march can take place safely and without obstruction.’

Information Center GenderDoc-M
C.P. 317, MD 2001
Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

24th April 2007 – PinkNews

12
Moldovan gay activists call for protest at London embassy

by PinkNews.co.uk writer
For the third year in a row, Moldovan authorities have banned the gay Pride march in the capital of Chisinau. Now activists in the country are asking for a show of support for the gay community here to protest outside the London embassy this Friday as a show of solidarity. LGBT activist group GenderDoc-M has decided to take to the streets of Chisinau in defiance of the ban.

Executive director Boris Balanetkii said: "We can take no more abuse of our dignity, self-respect and belief in human rights ideals that we cannot let go. The idea is to go out with brooms in specifically marked T-shirts to "sweep out" homophobia from our country. We are writing to you because Moldova has an embassy in your country. We therefore ask you to manifest the solidarity with us and around the same time, 15.00 your local time, on Friday 27th April, as we go on the Chisinau streets (despite security risks). Protest before the Moldovan embassy in your country, preferably with brooms, but if that is not possible you can let your activist imagination flow!"

A government committee banned Friday’s march on the grounds that it could pose a public disorder threat, that it would promote sexual propaganda and that it would undermine Moldovan Christian values. The decision comes despite the ruling of the Moldovan Supreme Court last December that a previous ban on the LGBT Pride march was illegal. Pride events are taking place this week as part of the Council of Europe’s "All Different – All Equal" campaign and will include cultural and entertainment activities, including an open discussion on religion and homosexuality.

The festival will also stage the premiere of the Vagina Monologues in Moldova, mini-football matches and concerts. GenderDoc-M have called on the EU to intervene on their behalf and pressure the Moldovan authorities to offer them the right to assembly and free speech. Moldova is not part of the EU, but is influenced by its neighbour Romania, an EU member state since January 2007. The small landlocked country of four million people gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Boris Balanetkii
Executive Director
Information Center GenderDoc-M

3 May 2007 – Moldova

13
Sixth Moldovan Gay Pride – First Victory

Moldova’s sixth LGBT Pride event, “Rainbow over the Dniester-2007”, has been ended successfully, despite many difficulties faced by Information Center GenderDoc-M during the preparations.

Not everything went smoothly. The first public event planned was the laying of flowers at the monument of the victims of repression. When the participants arrived the police prevented them from laying their flowers at the monument on the grounds that GenderDoc-M needed the official permission of the City Hall. The participants laid their flowers at the feet of the policemen instead and then withdrew. Later, in a statement to the media, a representative of the City Hall commented that the actions of the police were not justified and that the laying of flowers at the momument did not require their permission.

Another Pride event was a protest in front of the City Hall against the decision of the authorities to ban a public event in the city center by GenderDoc-M. This had been planned as a celebration within the framework of the “All different – All equal” campaign. In deciding not to authorize the event the City Hall committee accused GenderDoc-M of promoting public sex and homosexuality.

The protest demonstration lasted 15 minutes, with about 20 people form GenderDoc-M and partner organizations participating. These included a Member of the European Parliament, Maria Carlshamre and her 3 assistants, who had come to Moldova specially to support the Pride organizers. The protest demonstration went off successfully and was protected by the police. About 30 people took part in a counter-demonstration, mainly young people from an extremist organization.

This event showed that the City Hall’s fears that a Pride demonstration would provoke public disorder were not justified. The majority of the people who were witnesses to the event were peaceful. Demonstrations in solidarity with the Moldovan LGBT Community’s struggle for equality were organized by LGBT activists in front of Moldovan Embassies in Stockholm, Vienna, Bucharest, Washington and New York.

“We would like to thank all the people in Moldova and other countries who went on the streets to show their support and solidarity with Moldova’s LGBT movement. Together we have achieved a first small victory in the struggle of the LGBT community to achieve freedom of assembly in Moldova. Building on this year’s experience we will do our best to ensure that next year’s public demonstration by the LGBT community will take place not just as a protest action but as proper Pride Parade”
– said director of the Center Boris Balanetkii.

For more information please contact Boris Balanetkii, GenderDoc-M Executive Director at director@gay.md or by phone: /37322/ 276094.

Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

08 May 2007 – Source: Human Rights Watch

14
Moldova: Reverse Ban on Gay Rights Demonstration

New York – City authorities in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, should stop interfering with lesbian and gay rights demonstrations, Human Rights Watch said today. In a letter to Moldova’s president, Human Rights Watch stated that both European and domestic laws guarantee freedom of assembly and freedom from discrimination for all. In April, Chisinau authorities banned a public march planned for later that month by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights organization GenderDoc-M. The march was to be a part of the "All Different, All Equal Campaign" of the Council of Europe and the European Commission. In its letter, Human Rights Watch called on the Moldovan government as well as city officials to ensure that peaceful demonstrations proceed without hindrance and to pass as a matter of priority legislation outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

"For the third year in a row, city authorities have tried to bar lesbians and gays from celebrating their community publicly in Chisinau," said Scott Long, director of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights Program of Human Rights Watch. "Freedom of assembly and equality before the law are basic rights, and all Moldovan officials should protect them." The Chisinau city hall banned similar demonstrations in 2005 and 2006. Moldovan lesbian and gay activists are appealing the 2005 ban to the European Court of Human Rights.

When Chisinau authorities reviewed the 2007 gay pride application, they claimed the event would propagandize for homosexuality and threaten public order and Christian values. Reportedly, commission member and head of the Social, Humanitarian and Interethnic Division of City Hall, Nina Stratulat, accused members of GenderDoc-M of planning to parade naked through the streets and stated, "You want to use this opportunity to have public sex." Alexandru Corduneanu, the vice-mayor of Chisinau, stated, "All countries are ruled by principles. Moldova is ruled by Christian principles, and that is why we cannot allow you to go against morality and Christianity by permitting this parade." The ban by City Hall came despite a February 13, 2007 finding by the Moldovan Supreme Court that the city’s ban on the 2006 pride march was illegal. The decision stated: "The Supreme Court considers unjustified the refusal of the Chisinau City Hall to authorize a march of solidarity by GenderDoc-M, rationalizing it by possible threat to public order, as this motive is inconsistent with the right to freedom of assembly."

"Chisinau authorities prefer their own prejudices to the mandates of Moldova’s highest court," said Long. Within the past month, two other bans on European gay pride parades have been declared illegal. On May 3, 2007 the European Court of Human Rights ruled that a ban on a 2005 gay pride parade by Warsaw’s then-mayor Lech Kaczynski, who is now Poland’s president, violated the rights to freedom of association and assembly, to effective remedy, and to freedom from discrimination. On April 12, 2007 the Regional Administrative Court in the Latvian capital of Riga ruled that a ban against a lesbian and gay pride march last summer was illegal.

4th May 2007 – PinkNews

15
Small victory for Pride event in Moldova

by PinkNews.co.uk writer
Around 20 activists attempted to march for gay rights in the Moldovan capital Chisinau last week. People threw eggs at the gay Pride marchers, and the police stopped them from laying flowers at the Monument to the Victims of Repression. A government committee had banned the march on the grounds that it could pose a public disorder threat, that it would promote sexual propaganda and that it would undermine Moldovan Christian values. The decision was despite the ruling of the Moldovan Supreme Court last December that a previous ban on the LGBT Pride march was illegal. It was the third year in a row that Moldovan authorities have banned the gay Pride march in the capital.

"About 30 people took part in a counter-demonstration, mainly young people from an extremist organisation," said Boris Balanetkii, the director of LGBT activist group GenderDoc-M. Demonstrations in solidarity with the Moldovan LGBT Community’s struggle for equality were organized by LGBT activists in front of Moldovan Embassies in Stockholm, Vienna, Bucharest, Washington and New York.

"We would like to thank all the people in Moldova and other countries who went on the streets to show their support and solidarity with Moldova’s LGBT movement. "Together we have achieved a first small victory in the struggle of the LGBT community to achieve freedom of assembly in Moldova. "Building on this year’s experience we will do our best to ensure that next year’s public demonstration by the LGBT community will take place not just as a protest action but as proper Pride Parade" – said Mr Balanetkii.

The gay protest only lasted 15 minutes. Several activists taped their mouths with rainbow tape to highlight the repression of free speech. Pride events took place last week as part of the Council of Europe’s "All Different – All Equal" campaign and included cultural and entertainment activities. GenderDoc-M have called on the EU to intervene on their behalf and pressure the Moldovan authorities to offer them the right to assembly and free speech. Moldova is not part of the EU, but is influenced by its neighbour Romania, an EU member state since January 2007. The small landlocked country of four million people gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

2 July 2007 – From: Boris Balanetkii, Executive Director Information Center GenderDoc-M Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

16
Launching of Antidiscrimination Consortium to promote antidiscrimination policies in the Republic of Moldova

Beginning with April 2007 the project "Promotion of Antidiscrimination policy in Moldova” has been started. The project has been launched by the Antidiscrimination Consortium composed from NGOs working to protect human rights in Moldova. At present the organizations working to protect the rights of ethnic minorities, youth, people with disabilities, LGBT community, women etc enter the Consortium. The Consortium is open for all organizations interested to support promotion of this idea.

The aim of the project is to promote and adopt antidiscrimination policies and also positive international practices compatible for Moldova. The project foresees elaboration of the minimum standards for the anti discrimination law, which should be adopted, organization of the trainings for the participants of the coalition, for journalists, who will highlight the subject in local and national mass media, working meeting and work in groups with the participation of actors involved in the process of elaboration, promotion, and adoption of anti discrimination policies, radio programs dedicated to the subject of the anti discrimination, seminars for the decision making bodies with participation of experts from Europe.

The project duration is nine month and it is being implemented with the financial support of the Swedish Helsinki Committee and open Society Institute (Budapest) and in tight collaboration with OSCE mission to Moldova.

For additional information you can contact Boris Balanetkii, executive director of Information Centre „GenderDoc-M” at director@gay.md, or by phone: +37322 54 44 20. Internet: www.gay.md ———– –mailto:director@gay.md

20 September 2007 – From: Boris Balanetkii, Executive Director Information Center GenderDoc-M

17
Moldovan Government Supports Anti-discrimination Coalition

The Prime Minister, Mr. V. Tarlev, welcomes and supports the initiative of the Antidiscrimination Coalition to promote an antidiscrimination legislative framework in the Republic of Moldova. This opinion was expressed on 18 September current year, within a joint meeting of the Prime Minister Vasile Tarlev and the Coalition of non-governmental organisations for preventing and combating discrimination in the Republic of Moldova. The Antidiscrimination Coalition mentioned the need for a legislative framework to prevent and combat discrimination in the Republic of Moldova and its availability to support the efforts of the Government in this field, according to the engagements under the EU-Moldova Action Plan.

After the discussions it was agreed to create a working group of representatives of Ministries and the Antidiscrimination Coalition. This group will analyse the situation in the field and will elaborate the regulatory framework and the mechanism of its implementation. In the future the group could work on raising awareness of the population, training public officials, and collaborating with mass media in adequately covering the phenomenon of discrimination.

The Antidiscrimination Coalition is an initiative of non-governmental organizations active in the field of protecting and promoting human rights, among which: the National Youth Council of Moldova (CNTM), Information Centre “GenderDoc-M”, the National Roma Centre of Moldova, Moldovan League for Human Rights Protection (LADOM), the Resource Centre of Non-Governmental Organisations for Human Rights in Moldova (CreDO), Non-Governmental Organisation “Demo-Lex”, the Association for Promoting Legal Clinics (APCJM), the Independent Society for Education and Human Rights (SIEDO), etc.

For more information please contact Dana Cotici, GenderDoc-M Policy Officer at policy_officer@gay.md or by phone: /373 22/ 54 44 20.

10th October 2007 – PinkNews

18
Moldova criticised over LGBT injustice

by PinkNews.co.uk writer
Moldovan authorities have "to ensure full respect of the fundamental rights of all minorities, including sexual minorities." That is the resolution of the Parliamentary Assembly of of the Council of Europe (PACE) entitled About functioning of democratic institutions in Moldova. The report of the monitoring committee about the honouring of obligations and commitments by Moldova was adopted by PACE earlier this month. PACE rapporteurs have given over a large part of the report to violations of the right to freedom of assembly for LGBT people in Moldova. In particular, the report states: "We deplore the fact that after a final ruling by the Supreme Court of Moldova the Chisinau authorities continue to violate the law and deprive the representatives of the LGBT community of their right to freedom of assembly.

"Such situation cannot be tolerated in a democratic state governed by the rule of law. We expect the Moldovan authorities to take all necessary measures to put an end to this practice."

Around 20 activists attempted to march for gay rights in the Moldovan capital Chisinau last May. People threw eggs at the gay Pride marchers, and the police stopped them from laying flowers at the Monument to the Victims of Repression. A government committee had banned the march on the grounds that it could pose a public disorder threat, that it would promote sexual propaganda and that it would undermine Moldovan Christian values. The decision was despite the ruling of the Moldovan Supreme Court last December that a previous ban on the LGBT Pride march was illegal.

It was the third year in a row that Moldovan authorities banned the gay Pride march in the capital. Last month the country’s Supreme Court reiterated its previous position that the refusal by the Chisinau City Hall to authorise the march violates Moldovan law on the freedom of assembly, the Moldovan Constitution and the European Convention for Human Rights.

"We do not ask for special rights, but for equal rights," said Alexei Marcicov, President of Molovan LGBT organisation Genderdoc-M in response to the PACE resolution. "Prohibiting public manifestations for LGBT people is an act of direct discrimination, prohibited under international conventions Moldova is a party of. It is particularly appalling that the city authorities have neglected by now two decisions in our favour of the Supreme Court, causing us to seek justice in the European Court for Human Rights Next year the ‘All Different – All Equal’ festival will take place with or without city’s permission, and we believe protection of participants will be the responsibility of the police and local authorities, as recently stated by the new mayor of Chisinau."

Moldova is not part of the EU, but is influenced by its neighbour Romania, an EU member state since January 2007. The small landlocked country of four million people gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The 47-member Council of Europe predates the EU. It promotes and protects democracy, educational and sporting co-operation and created the European Court of Human Rights. Last week’s meeting of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly was dominated by comments made by a Russian religious leader.

Orthodox Patriarch Alexy II had called homosexuality an "illness" and attacked what he called "homosexual propaganda" influencing young people during an address to MPs from across Europe. The patriarch was there as part of council’s regular debates with political and religious leaders. He said homosexuality was "an illness and a distortion of the human personality" comparable to kleptomania. His comments were met with applause by many of the Assembly members present, although some walked out in protest. The UK delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe was led by former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott. He joined parliamentarians from all the assembly’s major political groups saying that any dialogue between cultures and religions must be based on mutual respect and tolerance.

More details about the situation of the LGBT community in Moldova here.

May 11, 2008 – ukgaynews.org.uk

19
Moldovan Police Stand Accused of Letting Protestors Highjack Bus Carrying Gay Pride Participants

Chisinau – A ruling of the Moldovan Supreme Court and the provisions of the European Human Rights Convention, which Moldova signed, were set aside by Chisinau police who stood to one side and let extremist religious groups, members of the neo-fascist movement, “New Right”, and legionnaires prevent today’s “Gay Pride” from going ahead. Large, aggressive and well-coordinated groups blocked the bus carrying Gay Pride participants. They then forced open the door the door of the bus before violently trying to break the windows. According to Pride organisers at GenderDoc-M, the protestors even tried to tamper with the engine. As the thugs were physically attacking the bus, they hurled abuse at those inside.

“Lets get them out and beat them up,” they yelled. And all the time, the police stood by watching the attack as “passive observers”.

GenderDoc-M, the country’s LGBT non-governmental organisation, has informed local authorities and the Ministry of Internal Affairs as early as April 21 about the route of the march, and requested for protection. The law on freedom of assembly of Moldova guarantees peaceful assembly to everyone, and puts an obligation on the police to guarantee the exercise of the right and the safety of participants. “The police did not facilitate the exit of pride participants from the bus into the street, did not prevent the rival aggressive groups from intervention, and through their passivity encouraged escalation of violence and the build up of the all-permissive hostile atmosphere,” GenderDoc-M said in a statement this afternoon.

Independent human rights observers witnessed hatred shouts, such as “Beat them to death” and “Don’t let them escape”. Some 60 Gay Pride participants were stuck in the bus for over 45 minutes. Two unidentified well-built men wearing the signs of the rival groups, forced the doors from both sides of the bus and demanded the destruction of all march materials (banners asking for anti-discrimination law and tolerance, European Union and Moldovan flags and rainbow balloons) as condition for lifting the blockade of the bus. According to the estimates of independent observers some 200 to 400 people had surrounded the bus. The core of the crowd were teenagers, some dressed military-style, some wearing black masks and others skinhead-like carrying A4 posters with derogatory homophobic messages and signs. The outer ring of the crowd was mostly middle-aged men wearing black clothes encouraging the youths.

Observers have said that they did not see any uniformed police at the location of what amounted to the ‘hijack’ of the bus by the thugs. However, some six traffic police cars were seen parked approximately 100 meters away. The occupants of the police cars could not have failed to see what was going on, UK Gay News was told. But no attempts were made by the police to disperse the angry crowd. GenderDoc-M said that they made nine attempts to call the police, but the pleas were set aside. After destroying of all materials as demanded by the thugs, two men ordered the ending of the ‘siege’ and the bus headed to the GenderDoc-M office, followed by a car with members of the crowd. Gay Pride participants then dispersed in small groups, but ‘on alert’ for possible repeated attack by the angry crowd. Another crowd of approximately several hundred people surrounded GenderDoc-M office demanding that pride participants exit the office. Two police and one ambulance observed from distance. The office remained blocked for several hours.

In parallel to these events, there were reports that several hundred people of all ages, men and women gathered on the Great National Assembly Square, carrying banners saying “Family is the Union between Man and Woman”, “Homosexuality is a Sin”, “Immorality Ruins Society”, “Moldova – Christian Country”, and “Do Not Turn Sin into Virtue”. GenderDoc-M has no information whether these groups in the square had their protests authorised. All remaining activities of Chinisau Gay Pride, including a small meeting, sightseeing in Chisinau and visit to historic places in Moldova, were cancelled due to lack of security. The new Moldovan Law on Assembly requires a simple notification of local authorities about a meeting. GenderDoc-M submitted to the City Hall on April 21 in accordance with the law.

“On the eve of the march, the Mayor of Chisinau Dorin Chirtoaca issued a ‘disposition’ informing the organisers that the march was banned by the City Hall,” GenderDoc-M said in a statement. Such a disposition breaches the law, since only the court could ban the parade. Since the new Mayor, an advocate of the Liberal Party and former staff of a human rights NGO in Moldova, took office, GenderDoc-M remains the only organisation whose public gatherings have been banned,” the statement continued. “Since May 2005, eight public meetings arranged by GenderDoc-M have been banned. Absence of action by police amounts to grave violations of the right to freedom of assembly and put in danger the personal security of all march participants.

GenderDoc-M calls on Moldovan authorities to guarantee freedom of peaceful assembly and expression to everyone. “We also call on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to fulfil their lawful responsibilities and ensure exercise of the right to freedom of assembly and safety of those taking part in public manifestations. GenderDoc-M also calls on the European Union, Council of Europe, OSCE and human rights NGOs to raise these human rights violations at the highest level with Moldovan authorities, and to put pressure on Moldovan government to implement its own laws without discrimination and its international human rights commitments. “Moldovan authorities must be held responsible for their behaviour,” the statement concluded.

UK Gay News has attempted to get a statement from the Moldovan police in Chisinau. Despite language difficulties, a police spokesman said that the “gay manifestation had been banned by the city authorities”. But when asked about last year’s Moldovan Supreme Court decision and the law saying that the police must protect the right to freedom of assembly – and the safety of those taking part, his English suddenly became non-existent.

May 14, 2008 – PinkNews

20
MEPs to raise Moldova Pride violence in Euro Parliament

by Tony Grew
Members of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Lesbian and Gay Rights have spoken of their dismay at events in Moldova at the weekend. Lesbian and gay activists in the central European nation, which is not a member of the European Union, had their attempt to hold a Pride event banned and then blocked by police inaction and violence. In the capital Chisinau on Sunday a bus with 60 Pride marchers was surrounded by hundreds of members of co-ordinated groups, including extremist religious groups and members of the neo-fascist movement. Pride organisers said that the gay-hate crowds entered the bus and grabbed flags and banners, while their companions shouted “Beat them to death” and “Don’t let them escape.” There were reportedly nine attempts to call the police during this incident, with no response.

"I will raise this issue within the European Parliament. I will also ask the Moldavian government for an explanation. "It is unacceptable that Moldova exposes its own citizens, along with foreign visitors, to such violent attacks," said Raul Romeva, Vice-President of the Intergroup for Greens/EFA. Perhaps the European Union should reconsider its relations with a state so gravely breaching International Human Rights Obligations."

Sirpa Pietikäinen, Vice-President of the Intergroup for the EPP-ED added: "EU-Moldova relations are based on the acceptance and implementation of EU values of respect for human rights and democracy. The police should have intervened to respect law and order. These are basic fundamental principles of democracy."

Moldovan gay rights group GenderDoc-M claims they are the only group in the country to be banned from holding public meetings. Eight have been banned in the past three years. The group is calling on the European Union, Council of Europe and human rights groups to raise these human rights violations "at the highest level with Moldovan authorities, and to put pressure on Moldovan government to implement its own laws without discrimination and its international human rights commitments. Moldovan authorities must be held responsible for their behaviour."

In October Moldova was told to "ensure full respect of the fundamental rights of all minorities, including sexual minorities," by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). The report of the monitoring committee about the honouring of obligations and commitments by Moldova was adopted by PACE last year. PACE rapporteurs gave over a large part of their report to violations of the right to freedom of assembly for LGBT people in Moldova. In particular, the report stated: "We deplore the fact that after a final ruling by the Supreme Court of Moldova the Chisinau authorities continue to violate the law and deprive the representatives of the LGBT community of their right to freedom of assembly.

"Such situation cannot be tolerated in a democratic state governed by the rule of law. We expect the Moldovan authorities to take all necessary measures to put an end to this practice." The Moldovan Supreme Court ruled in December 2006 that a previous ban on the LGBT Pride march was illegal. This is the fourth year in a row that Moldovan authorities banned the gay Pride march in the capital. In September the country’s Supreme Court reiterated its previous position that the refusal by the Chisinau City Hall to authorise the march violates Moldovan law on the freedom of assembly, the Moldovan Constitution and the European Convention for Human Rights.

Moldova is not part of the EU, but is influenced by its neighbour Romania, an EU member state since January 2007. The small landlocked country of four million people gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The 47-member Council of Europe predates the EU. It promotes and protects democracy, educational and sporting co-operation and created the European Court of Human Rights. "How can you fail to uphold the basic right to protection against violence and freedom of movement?" said Michael Cashman, President of the Intergroup.

June 19, 2008 – PinkNews

21
Sweden warns Moldova over LGBT rights

by Jane Rochstad Lim
Swedish Foreign Minster Carl Bildt has condemned the violence against homosexuals during the Moldova Pride Festival and demanded that Moldavian government upholds the rights of its LGBT people. The May 11th Pride March ended disastrously for its participants. Lesbian and gay activists in the central European nation had their attempt to hold a Pride event in capital Chisinau banned and then blocked by police inaction and violence. A bus with 60 Pride marchers was surrounded by hundreds of members of co-ordinated groups, including extremist religious groups and members of the neo-fascist movement. Pride organisers said that homophobic crowds entered the bus and grabbed flags and banners, while their companions shouted "Beat them to death" and "Don’t let them escape." There were reportedly nine attempts to call the police during this incident, with no response.

"The fact that the police were in place and did not intervene when the participants in the demonstration were attacked results to concerns and questions with regards to the Moldavian authorities’ ability to protect the citizen who want to express their views," Mr Bidlt said. "The Swedish government attaches great importance to human rights being respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. I therefore am concerned about the events that took place in connection with the planned Pride event in Chisinau on May 11 and regret that the demonstration could not be implemented."

The foreign ministry has warned Moldova to uphold and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, made in the context of the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. It also intends to ask the EU to discuss the issue of Moldova. Although Moladvia is not part of the EU, it is largely influenced its neighbour Romania, which joined the EU in 2007. It gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Moldova has a poor track record in terms LGBT rights. Homosexuality was legalised in 1995, but the society is still very much influenced by the anti-gay sentiments from the Soviet era. Moldovan gay rights group GenderDoc-M claims they are the only group in the country to be banned from holding public meetings. Eight have been banned in the past three years.

In October last year, Moldova was told to "ensure full respect of the fundamental rights of all minorities, including sexual minorities," by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). The report of the monitoring committee about the honouring of obligations and commitments by Moldova was adopted by PACE last year. PACE rapporteurs gave over a large part of their report to violations of the right to freedom of assembly for LGBT people in Moldova. In particular, the report stated: "We deplore the fact that after a final ruling by the Supreme Court of Moldova the Chisinau authorities continue to violate the law and deprive the representatives of the LGBT community of their right to freedom of assembly. "Such situation cannot be tolerated in a democratic state governed by the rule of law. We expect the Moldovan authorities to take all necessary measures to put an end to this practice."

The May 11 ban on Pride came despite the ruling of the Moldovan Supreme Court in December 2006 that a previous ban on the LGBT Pride march was illegal. This is the fourth year in a row that Moldovan authorities banned the gay Pride march in the capital. In September the country’s Supreme Court reiterated its previous position that the refusal by the Chisinau City Hall to authorise the march violates Moldovan law on the freedom of assembly, the Moldovan Constitution and the European Convention for Human Rights.

Moldova News & Reports 2005-08

1 Moldovan government to put legislation in place for sexual minorities 2/05

2 Moldovan Authorities Ban Gay Rally Outside Parliament 5/05

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