MEPs welcome the annulment of Moldovan ‘Propaganda Law’

Members of the European Parliament are welcoming the decision by the Moldovan Parliament to annul the law prohibiting the “propagation of any other relations than those related to marriage or family”.

Adopted by surprise only three months ago, the annulment of this law brings Moldova back on track for closer relations with the European Union.

The law, which breached the European Convention on Human Rights by limiting freedom of expression in a discriminatory way, was a thorn in the flesh for human rights defenders and LGBT organisations.

Similar laws or bills in Russia, Ukraine or Lithuania have led to the increased stigmatisation of LGBT people, and the obstruction of LGBT organisations’ work.

Although the government had already confirmed to Moldovan LGBT organisation GENDERDOC-M that the law would not infringe freedom of expression with regards to sexual orientation and gender identity in August, the annulment is a major step forward.

Marije Cornelissen MEP, Member of the Intergroup on LGBT Rights, reacted: “I am very happy to hear that the Moldovan Parliament repealed this law. It is a clear sign that the Moldovan Parliament saw reason and opted for human rights and the rule of law.”

Monica Macovei MEP, Co-Chair of the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Cooperation Committee, added: “Our colleagues in Chisinau made the right choice by repealing this law. Equality and non-discrimination are core values for the Council of Europe and the European Union, and the annulment of this law brings Moldova closer to the EU.”

At the Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius next month, the EU will decide whether it initiates an Association Agreement with Moldova.