The EU Delegation deeply regrets the decision of the City Council of Balti, which seeks to “prohibit the […] propaganda of non-traditional sexual orientations”, and similar decisions taken in the city of Anenii Noi and the villages of Chetris and Hiliuti in the Falesti District, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting a statement from the EU Delegation to Moldova. The EU Delegation is concerned about these manifestations of intolerance and discrimination affecting minorities, and in particular lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons, and more generally with any attempts to restrict the universal rights of human beings on a discriminatory basis. The EU Delegation rejects and condemns such unacceptable violations of human rights. Sexual orientation and gender identity cannot in any way justify or serve as a pretext for restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly and association or other fundamental freedoms. The EU Delegation believes that the above-mentioned decisions do not respect the international human rights standards to which the Republic of Moldova has committed, including by joining the Council of Europe and ratifying the United Nations’ Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It calls on the Moldovan authorities at all levels to demonstrate and ensure respect for the principle of non-discrimination on the basis of which human rights apply equally to every human being. On February 23, the Balti City Council adopted a decision whereby it banned the holding of LGBT parades.