Protests amid Parliamentary examination of a controversial bill in Moldova
The Law regarding the equality of chances, known also as the anti-discrimination bill is being examined today in a Parliamentary session amid protests of the Communists, Socialists and a group of Christians Orthodox.
Early today the deputies gathered to debate on the bill which has been very controversial in Moldova. The enactment of such a regulation is a requirement of the European Union which intends to liberalize their visa regime for Moldovans. Another key project is to reform the anti-corruption center.
Yesterday Pastor Marchel came in front of the Assembly and held a religious service outside the building. He demanded the lawmakers not to vote in favor of this bill. The Priest was accompanied today by a group of other pastors and Christians who are asking the deputies to get outside the building for open talks.
Deputy Eduard Musuc, who is also present at the protest, said that such an action is an attack on the Constitution and peoples.
“The actions of the Alliance for European Integration [the ruling coalition] prove that they want us to join the EU with the butt, not with the head,” the Deputy said.
The riot police have surrounded the building where the Parliamentarians hold their session.
The anti-discrimination bill faces a strong opposition from the civil society. A majority of people don’t want the gay people to have the same rights as they do. The new regulation is intended to protect these people against discrimination. The draft bill has been modified few weeks ago.
Article 1, Line 1 of the newly established document says: “The goal of the hereby law is to prevent and fight discrimination, as well as assure the equality of chances and treatment to all persons residing on the territory of the Republic of Moldova in political, economic, social, cultural and other realms, without distinction based on race, color, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion or belief, sex, age, disability, opinion, partisanship or any other similar criteria.”
A previous document presented the same statements but also enclosing another group of people who are discriminated based on their “sexual orientation.” The phrase did not fully disappear. It can be found in Article 7, Line 1 of the draft law.
Moldovan Premier Vlad Filat previously stated that he, together with the EU officials came to a ‘compromise solution’ and he is hopeful the new draft law will pass the Parliamentary approval.
“Europe does not entail requisites. They are not eager that we come to make them happy, but we want to be part of this European family,” Premier Vlad Filat said.
Watch below video images from the ground. The recording belongs to Publika TV.
Moldova.ORG
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