Perspectives on human rights and religion in Moldova

Abstract

This paper examines the overall situation of the evolution of human rights and freedom of religion in Moldova since becoming an independent state. It emphasizes the fact that freedom of religion is still an urgent issue in Moldova, taking into account that the Moldovan state itself protects and enforces the rights and freedoms of Moldovan citizens in a rather arbitrary and selective way. Religious tolerance and acceptance of religious diversity is another issue Moldovan society faces. The new religious movements are frequently restricted in their rights by the tacit alliance between the State and the Orthodox Church. Although different religions are free to organize their own education, the Orthodox Church monopolizes religious education in secondary schools. The religious lobby also opposed the initiative to introduce Life Skills–Based Education (LSBE), since it would destroy the traditional family by promoting õabnormal conceptsö such as gender and sexual orientation, drugs, etc.