Update: The European Commission states that the adopted law falls short of EU standards

On the 8th April 2010, the Parliament of the Republic of Macedonia adopted a new anti-discrimination law that fails to mention sexual orientation as a ground of discrimination.

The European Parliament’s Intergroup on LGBT Rights previously issued a statement, sent an open letter, and had the European Parliament adopt a report highlighting the shortcomings of the law. ILGA-Europe also released a statement on the adoption of the law.

We have received reassurance from the European Commission that, should the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia become a Member State of the European Union, the law will have to be amended.

The Intergroup remains disappointed with the adoption of a piece of legislation leaving out those it needed to protect.