Romania flag law proposal sparks controversy over mandatory kissing

A legislative proposal initiated by the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) seeks to mandate the kissing of the Romanian national flag during official ceremonies. The bill, which has already passed the Senate and is currently awaiting reports from House committees, would impose significant fines for non-compliance.

Under the proposed law, officials, school directors, and designated students would be required to participate in the flag-kissing ritual. Failure to comply could result in fines ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 lei. Additionally, media outlets would be required to dedicate at least 30 minutes of programming to National Flag Day, with fines of 10,000 to 20,000 lei for violations. The proposal also mandates the creation of 'Tricolor Squares' in Bucharest and all county seats, featuring large flagpoles.

The Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ) has strongly opposed the measure, comparing the mandatory displays of loyalty to Nazi-era salutes and Communist-era dictates. The RMDSZ argues that the law infringes upon religious autonomy and freedom of worship, as it would dictate the order of religious ceremonies and the involvement of clergy in state-mandated rituals.