Parliament condemns attack against LGBTI+ community, calls for specific measures

Parliament strongly condemns the October 12 tragic shooting that claimed two innocent lives and urges the Government to fulfil commitments aimed to improve the standing of minorities in Slovakia, according to a parliamentary resolution on the growing displays of hatred against minorities, particularly LGBTI+ and Jewish communities living in Slovakia, that the House approved on Tuesday.
"Parliament strongly condemns the terrorist act of October 12, 2022, the victims of which were Matus Horvath and Juraj Vankulic whose lives were snuffed out over their sexual orientation. It also sends deep sympathies to the bereaved families and friends. At the same time, Parliament assures all members of minorities and communities that they are a valued part of our society," reads the resolution. A minute of silence was observed in Parliament in memory of the victims of the shooting.
The attack on members of LGBTI+ community as well as plans to attack members of the Jewish community and politicians and their families are considered an attack against the democratic state, reads the text. "Parliament also calls on politicians, public officials as well as the media to refrain from any hateful speeches that undermine good co-existence and might lead to displays of violence," added the resolution. Police President Harman informed yesterday that the primary target of the Bratislava shooter was Prime Minister Eduard Heger. (TASR)