CONDEMNATION OF THE HOOLIGANISM AGAINST THE LGBTI CENTER IN SKOPJE

Civil – Center for Freedom strongly condemns the hooligan act on the premises of the LGBTI support center in the Skopje Old Town, opened on October 23.  We appeal to the authorities and all relevant institutions to take immediate measures to sanction the hooligans and enable unobstructed operation of the LGBTI center in Skopje. It should be the first step towards changing policies and the treatment of the LGBTI community in Macedonia, i.e. maximum improvement of their social and legal status.

Stoning of the LGBTI center is not surprising, just as hate speech, discrimination and violence along ethnic, religious or other grounds are no surprise anymore. Fostering the cult of pure and monolithic nation is clearly reflected in the public appearances of part of the political elite in the country.

This hooligan act is yet another evidence of the intolerance and violence that woven into the Macedonian society nowadays. In our view, this incident is a consequence of the intolerance and discrimination that are promoted by the highest structures in the country.