Discrepancy between Moldovan Orthodox Church and NGO over gay rights issue
Orthodox Church in Moldova asks the lawmakers to amend the Law ensuring Equality of Chances in order to avert homosexuals from working in education, health services and food industry.
The bill was adopted with strong opposition from civil society in May 2012. It intends to protect LGBT rights by giving them equal chances in the community.
Bishop Marchel of Balti and Falesti publicly said on television that the Law ensuring Equality of Chances “opened the door to homosexuals creating a paradise here.”
“We ask to prohibit them from being employed in education, healthcare system and food industry,” Bishop Marchel said.
According to him, 92% of homosexuals are infected with HIV/AIDS.
Amnesty International Moldova reacted to this statement. They urge the authorities not to modify the law and ensure protection for sexual minorities in Moldova amid strong discrimination.
“We hope that the government will make the right decision in favor of the rights of LGBT people,” Executive Director of Amnesty International Moldova Cristina Pereteatcu said in a press release.
The Amnesty International official denies the allegations that 92% of homosexuals in Moldova are HIV carriers.
“Representatives [of Orthodox Church] make manifestly erroneous declarations that denote intention to misinform people and form wrong opinions in a society that is extremely intolerant,” Ms. Pereteatcu said. “Here I am referring to allegations about the fact that 92% of LGBT people have HIV, which is an absolute untruth that could worsen the situation of people living with HIV in Moldova as they are already stigmatized and marginalized.”
During the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Moldova, the pastors expressed their anger that some TV channels broadcast advertising and TV shows with sexual content. They are going to request the Broadcasting Coordination Council to prohibit such messages.
Moldova.ORG
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