Fuele on Macedonia Anti-Discrimination Law

Speaking to journalists in Brussels late on Wednesday, Fuele said he still thinks that protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation should have been included in the law.

“I still stand behind the letter I have recently sent before the vote to the prime minister, yes I do,” Fuele said.

Sources from Fuele’s cabinet confirmed that the letter was of a personal nature and therefore its content was never made public.
    
The law was adopted last week with the backing of the main ruling centre-right VMRO DPMNE party. Macedonia has since been criticised for failing to pass an anti-discrimination law that is completely harmonized with European norms and standards.

Explicit protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation is a crucial missing element, local human rights experts commented after the country’s parliament adopted its first law on the subject.

The opposition left the session in protest after the majority remained deaf to the recommendations to include such provisions.

One day before the passing of the law the EU ambassador to the country, Erwan Fouere, urged legislators once again to gather strength and openly add this type of discrimination in the law. Many local NGOs and human rights movements supported the inclusion of the provision as well.

"I appeal once again to the government and the parliament to use the chance on Thursday and vote for a comprehensive anti-discrimination law, harmonized with European norms and criteria," Fouere said before the vote.