Moldova Weighs “Gay Propaganda” Ban

"We want to ban the propaganda of this phenomenon because there is the danger that children might fall victim to it in schools."

From: NewNowNext

 Moldova is considering a ban on “gay propaganda,” similar to the one adopted by Russia in 2013.

Last month, a committee in the former Soviet republic’s parliament approved a bill that would levy fines for promoting homosexuality to minors “through public meetings, the media, the Internet,” and other means.

The legislation would add a paragraph to Article 21 of the Law on the Rights of a Child that reads: “The state ensures protection of a child from the propaganda of homosexuality for any purpose and under any form.”

 The measure was endorsed by the right-wing Socialist Party, in response to claims that “homosexual propaganda in Moldova has become more aggressive.”

“What we are talking about is the public impact,” Socialist deputy Vlad Batrancea told Radio Free Europe.

“We want to ban the propaganda of this phenomenon because there is the danger that children might fall victim to it in schools. This danger is real because so many parents are working abroad and the children left behind are vulnerable to such actions.”

Four years ago, Moldova adopted an anti-discrimination law protecting gays and lesbians to help further its goal of entry in the European Union.

Whether this new ban will make its way into law is unclear, but conservatives hope it will affect upcoming presidential elections, where they will push a “traditional values” agenda.

“The Socialist Party, which gives all possible support and promotion to [anti-LGBT] movements, is simply stoking social tensions,” political analyst Petru Macovei told RFE/RL.

Homosexuality has been legal in Moldova since 1995, but LGBT citizens face many challenges. Pride celebrations have been outlawed since 2007—an LGBT rights march in May was interrupted by counter demonstrators—including Orthodox clergymen—shouting slurs and throwing eggs.

Participants only managed to march five blocks, which was the longest they’ve ever been able to maintain such an event.