Moldova's parliament has annulled a law that imposes penalties for propagating homosexuality.
The decision on October 11 was made by lawmakers while dozens of Orthodox priests and Communist lawmakers were blocking the entrance to the Palace of the Republic in Chisinau, trying to thwart the parliament session.
The lawmakers entered the building through the back door.
The Orthodox faithful were protesting the parliament's discussion of a European Union-backed law on nondiscrimination that would guarantee the rights of Moldova's gay citizens.
They insisted that Moldova's existing legislation, which envisages penalties for the propagation of extramarital or homosexual relations, should remain unchanged.
Chisinau hopes to be offered an EU Association Agreement at the Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius next month.
The decision on October 11 was made by lawmakers while dozens of Orthodox priests and Communist lawmakers were blocking the entrance to the Palace of the Republic in Chisinau, trying to thwart the parliament session.
The lawmakers entered the building through the back door.
The Orthodox faithful were protesting the parliament's discussion of a European Union-backed law on nondiscrimination that would guarantee the rights of Moldova's gay citizens.
They insisted that Moldova's existing legislation, which envisages penalties for the propagation of extramarital or homosexual relations, should remain unchanged.
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Chisinau hopes to be offered an EU Association Agreement at the Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius next month.