454. On 23 May 2006, the Special Representative sent an allegation letter concerning a peaceful demonstration by the organisation Information Center GenderDoc-M, a non-governmental organisation that defends the rights of sexual minorities in Moldova. According to the information received, on 28 April 2006 the office of the General Mayor in Chisinau rejected an application by the Center to hold a peaceful demonstration in Chisinau on 5 May 2006. It is reported that the purpose of this demonstration was to support the adoption of legislation barring discrimination based on sexual orientation. It is further reported that the reasons for the rejection of the application were based on “the statements of religious organisations that they will organise protest actions if the demonstration organised by GenderDoc-M is allowed, and also based on letters of complaint from individuals living in Chisinau.” Furthermore, according to the information received, on 16 May 2005 the office of the General Mayor in Chisinau rejected an application to hold a peaceful demonstration in Chisinau to support the adoption of legislation based on sexual orientation. It is also reported that in June 2005 this decision was overturned by the Court of Appeal in Moldova. Concern was expressed that the above events were related to the activities of Information Center GenderDoc-M in defence of human rights, in particular their defence of the rights of sexual minorities in Moldova.

link to full text of the Report:
http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/docs/4session/A-HRC-4-37-Add-1.pdf