Socialist MP Vasile Bolea said that he didn’t offend anyone, especially because his message wasn’t addressed to the associations of autistic persons or to mothers with autistic children, as some suggest. He made the comment after a number of public associations and Internet users demanded that the MP should apologize publicly after he posted on Facebook that “the self-dissolution of Parliament is the invention of an autistic man that is rammed down the throat”.

Contacted by IPN for a comment, Vasile Bolea said he didn’t use labeling to offend someone. “This message was addressed to the person who got it, as I understood. Tell me please what’s offensive in this message? I didn’t label them (autistic persons) so that someone could feel offended,” he stated.

“Someone appeared as high and mighty and now hides behind associations of autistic persons,” added the MP.

After Vasile Bolea published his posting, representatives of the public association “SOS Autism” expressed their indignation, profound disgust and disappointment at the given statement. The Federation for the Rights and Resources of Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders said the term used by the MP is embarrassing. “We encourage you to be as bold and upright and to come out before the press and apologize publicly for this imprudent message,” said the Federation’s message.