11 Countries Endorse Bulgaria's Gay Pride March

2011's Sofia Pride gay parade went without incidents or provocations. Photo by BGNES

The Ambassadors of eleven countries have issued a joint statement declaring their support for the upcoming Sofia Pride March that is to take place in the Bulgarian capital on June 30.

The ambassadors of Argentina, Austria, UK, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Serbia and the US have pointed out that the event is an opportunity to promote human rights and tolerance, celebrate diversity, and denounce homophobia.

"The Pride March also increases visibility for the Bulgarian lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and sends an important message to thousands of young gays and lesbians across the country – you are not alone," their statement says.

"In Pride events all across the world, gay and straight people stand together for the principle that all citizens should have the same rights: to live, to love and to work without fear of discrimination.   We have not achieved that goal yet, and so we encourage the public, as well as local and national leaders, to express their solidarity by joining the Sofia Pride March. We wish everyone a safe and happy Pride."

On June 5, Father Evgeniy Yanakiev from the Sliven eparchy made an outrageous statement regarding the upcoming parade, saying that "it would be a good idea to throw stones" at its participants.

As a result, the Sofia Pride initiative committee cape up with an official statement insisting on the Holy Synod's firm and public demarcation from any calls to violence against the parade on behalf of its representatives.

However, instead of condemning any calls for violence, the Holy Synod said in a statement that "homosexuality is an unnatural passion that undoubtedly harms the personality, the family and the society."

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