Gay rights activist nominated for equal opportunities ombudsman
Ljubljana, 7 October - After consultations with deputy factions in parliament, President Borut Pahor on Friday nominated gay rights activist Miha Lobnik for Slovenia's first independent equal opportunities ombudsman.
Ljubljana
Human rights activist Miha Lobnik put forward for equal opportunities ombudsman.
Photo: Tamino Petelinšek/STA
Pahor put forward his proposal to Speaker Milan Brglez after consultations with the heads of deputy factions showed the candidate enjoys sufficient support in parliament to be appointed, his office said. He needs a simple majority to get appointed.
Picking the nominee among the ten candidates, Pahor ascertained that Lobnik met the required conditions and had the necessary experience for the post.
A public presentation of the nominee will be held on Tuesday at the presidential palace.
An independent office of equal opportunities ombudsman was created by the protection against discrimination act, which became effective in May this year.
The equal opportunities ombudsman has so far served under the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities.
The new law gives the ombudsman powers of inspection. But rather than issuing fines, the ombudsman will be raising awareness about the issue and helping to prevent and eradicate discrimination.