Washington, D.C. - Human Rights First today expressed concern over a proposed anti-LGBT propaganda bill under consideration by the Moldovan parliament and called on U.S. government leaders to press members of the Moldovan parliament to reject the discriminatory bill. The bill, which is modeled after Russia’s bill banning “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations," was approved last month by the Moldovan parliament’s culture and education committee.

“Once again we see oppressive voices in Eastern Europe attempting to quash the basic human rights of LGBT people to organize and express themselves,” said Human Rights First’s Shawn Gaylord. “This bill is not only dangerous if passed, but the mere proposal of such a bill brings the potential of increased violence and discrimination against this marginalized and vulnerable group. We urge the United States to make clear to Moldova that passage of this bill would be detrimental to the bilateral relationship."

The proposed propaganda bill would impose fines for spreading "homosexual propaganda" to minors through public meetings, the media, and the Internet. If passed, the bill would threaten the existence of LGBT organizations and limit the speech, expression, and freedom of assembly of activists, civil society leaders, journalists, and members of the LGBT community.

Human Rights First continues to urge the U.S. government work to prevent the spread of Russian-style propaganda laws in the surrounding region. Human Rights First’s blueprint, “How to Stop Russia from Exporting Homophobia,” details how Russia’s homophobic laws and policies have spread throughout Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and outlines key steps that the U.S. government can take to stop the spread of laws and policies that infringe on the human rights of the LGBT community.

For more information or to speak with Gaylord, contact Mary Elizabeth Margolis at [email protected] or 212-845-5269.