The Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo forbids discrimination against citizens on a number of grounds, including on sexual orientation. The Constitution also provides for a number of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms, such as the Right to Freedom and Security, to Gatherings, and to Association. All of these rights were exercised by citizens of the Republic when they organized a peaceful march in celebration of the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia in Prishtina, Kosovo, on May 17th, which saw the participation of hundreds of citizens, including political leaders and ambassadors.

Mr. Kelmendi holds public office and as such bears responsibility to uphold the values and the principles of the Constitution. Statements like those made by Mr. Kelmendi may incite violence, the likes of which we have already seen when the 2012, when an attack by a group of some 30 individuals was carried out against members and supporters of the community.

We call upon the Assembly of Kosovo, of which Mr. Kelmendi is an elected Deputy and is bound by its Rules of Procedure, as well as on the Assembly Committee on Human Rights, Gender Equality, Missing Persons and Petitions, to consider this issue and to strongly condemn the public statements made by Mr. Kelmendi, as well as to investigate whether these statements qualify as hate speech under Kosovo’s legislation.

For the full reaction please click English, Albanian and Serbian.