by Rex Wockner
International News Briefs
Gay activists and the European Union criticized Macedonia April 9 for failing to include sexual orientation protections in the nation's new anti-discrimination law.
An EU representative said Macedonia stands alone in the region in not protecting gays and lesbians, which, in the case of employment safeguards, is a requirement of EU membership. Macedonia is hoping to join the EU.
An earlier draft of the law did include sexual orientation language but the government deleted the words in January.
"As an EU candidate country, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is expected to introduce a comprehensive anti-discrimination law providing protection from discrimination on the grounds of age, ethnic origin, disability, religion, race and sexual orientation," said the European Region of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. "ILGA-Europe … calls on the European institutions to react firmly to bring FYROM (Macedonian) legislation in line with EU legislation."