Moscow Patriarchate calls on Moldova not to pass law recognizing homosexuality as normal

Moscow, March 14, Interfax – The Moscow Patriarchate has cautioned the Moldovan administration about adopting a law on non-discrimination, which the country needs to pass to enter the EU.

“There are things that cannot be neglected even to improve the financial situation of people. If society’s moral health depends on the adoption of a law on non-discrimination, the choice should be obvious. Moldovan leaders should put care for their people and protection of their country’s interests first,” Maxim Parshin, the head of the regional relations department of the Synodal Department for Church and Society Relations, told Interfax-Religion on Wednesday.

If a law “recognizing homosexuality as normal” is approved, it may cause “a serious conflict in society and can potentially lead to moral and demographic deterioration of people,” Parshin said.

“The Russian Church assumes that the development of the modern Moldovan state should not lead to denial of its spiritual roots. The future of the country should be based on the traditions that the people of Moldova have followed for centuries,” he said.

Parshin said discrimination can and should be prevented in ethnic and religious issues, but it “should not put before people a moral choice.”

Parshin recalled that international law allows restrictions of human rights to protect the rights of other persons and morals. “However, the people who support the adoption of this bill in Moldova apparently don’t care about that,” he said.

The bill on non-discrimination drew protests from the Orthodox people of Moldova. In particular, protests against the bill have been conducted in the city of Beltsy and the nearby villages.

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