Reaction comes to Gezim Kelmendi's LGBTI+ statement

The Youth Initiative for Human-Kosovo Rights (YIHR KS) has strongly condemned the use of hate speech by former Kosovo Assembly President Gezim Kelmendi.

“Considering that Mr. Kelmendi, both former deputies and party chairman “The Word”, is an influential public figure in social and political changes, he must stick to the language he uses in both public and private life. We remember Mr. Kelmendi that Kosovo Constitution 24, paragraph 2 points out: “No one can be discriminated against based on race, color, gender, language, religion, political or other opinions, national or social background, connection with any community, property, economic, social status, sexual orientation, birth, limited capacity or any other personal status.” Also Article 43 on Free Rally stresses that “Freedom of Peaceful Gathering is guaranteed. Each person enjoys the right to organise gatherings, protests and demonstrations, as well as the right to participate in them”” is said in the YIHR response.

Referring to the Gzim Kelmendi writing, Y The IHR has suggested that homosexuality has been removed from the list of diseases from the American Psychiatry Association in 1973, as well as the World Health Organization also does not consider it a disease since 1992.

“calization that it is a disease is unfactive and archaic. Statements such as the “The homosexuals are once forbidden to donate blood to EU countries, the US and other countries” are completely false, and based on homophobic speculations created by lack of sufficient information. Such thoughts, except that they have no place in public discourse, spread hatred and create a space where violence towards the LGBTI+ community is acceptable” writes this organisation.