The parliament of the Gagauz autonomy has unanimously voted to “annul” within its jurisdiction a national law banning the controversial black-and-orange ribbon, known as of St. George.

Sergey Cimpoeş, the sponsor of the bill, denounced the ban as “a mistake” by the Moldovan Parliament, saying that it caused discontent among the Gagauz people. “You cannot sell or buy remembrance”, he declared.

Cimpoeş added that Halk Topluşu, the Gagauz legislative body, sent a declaration to the Moldovan Parliament after his bill was approved in first reading, demanding that the ban be reversed, but to no effect.

Nicolai Dudoglo, another Halk Topluşu member, said the Moldovan Parliament should consult with the Gagauz lawmakers before making decisions that impact the Gagauz people. Dudoglo said that the Gagauz will display the ribbon when they join the May 9 Victory marches.

The ban, which forbids manufacturing, displaying and distributing the ribbon as a symbol of military aggression, was introduced on April 20. It carries hefty fines and up to 60 hours of community service.