The Belgrade Centre for Human Rights is deeply concerned that Serbia is heading in the wrong direction if hatred and discrimination of persons of different sexual orientation, which are prohibited by the Constitution, are tolerated and, moreover, supported by the state authorities and public officials.The freedom of expression entails the readiness of citizens and state authorities to hear out views and opinions they disagree with. The Belgrade Sava Centre’s attitude – reflected in its prohibition of the panel discussion by a registered civic association fighting against discrimination – indicates that it shares and supports homophobic prejudices, although it is managing an institution built thanks to the contributions of all citizens with the aim of promoting culture and freedom of speech. This is yet another example of discrimination and of stifling the freedom of speech demonstrating that an end must be put to the practice of letting coalition partners exclusively manage institutions of public importance notwithstanding their well-known track record.
The BCHR supports the Human and Minority Rights initiative to re-examine the lawfulness of organisations inciting national, racial and religious hatred and thus ranking as Fascist and chauvinist organisations. The fact that some organisations operate although they are not registered must not become their privilege and lead them or others to the conclusion that an unregistered group of citizens can go unpunished for actions prohibited for registered organisations.
