The nongovernmental organization “Genderdoc-M”, which promotes the rights of the sexual minorities, calls on Parliament and the Government to include the notion of hate crime in the Penal Code. In a news conference at IPN, members of the organization said at least four homosexuals have been attacked by homophobe persons over the last few months.

“Genderdoc-M” executive director Anastasia Danilova said that the same scenario was used in all the cases. The attackers got acquainted with the victims on matrimonial sites for gays, had romantic discussions with them and then invited them to a meeting and attacked them. In this connection, Anastasia Danilova warned the LGBT members to be cautious when they make acquaintances on social networking sites and urged them to seek help from “Genderdoc-M”.

“Genderdoc-M” program coordinator Angela Frolov said that in all the cases the attackers were punished and the police showed professional behavior. In the last case, the attacker confounded the person and attacked a man with traditional sexual orientation. “Thus, any citizen of Moldova is in danger and can be attacked,” she stated.

She also said that Moldova is a democratic country and the members of the LGBT have the same rights as the other citizens. “We call upon the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Council for the Prevention and Elimination of Discrimination and Insuring of Equality to determine how effective Moldova’s legislation is in protecting people from hate crimes. Any group or ethnic group can suffer because of such crimes,” said Angela Frolov.

According to the members of “Genderdoc-M”, the attacks against persons with untraditional sexual orientation took place in May-July.