Georgian Patriarchy condemns diplomats for supporting gay parade

The United Nations (UN), European Union (EU) and Embassies of 16 countries have called on Georgian authorities to prevent violence at the "March of Dignity" announced by the LGBT community. The Georgian Patriarchy has called on foreign diplomats to refrain from supporting the march, stating that the gay action "has nothing to do with dignity."

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that LGBT activists announced holding the "LGBT Week" on July 1-5 in Tbilisi, which is supposed to end with the "March of Dignity". The "Erie" Party threatened to hold counteractions. Nino Lomdjariya, the country's Ombudsperson, has called on the police to ensure the safety of the marchers. Political analysts have expressed different opinions on how much the attitude towards LGBT people has changed in the Georgian society.

European politicians believe that Georgian authorities and clergymen must fight against all types of discrimination and take measures to prevent violence. Foreign diplomats recalled that the country's Constitution provides for the right to free public assembly and the freedom of expression.

The Patriarchate of Georgia has stated that "holding the gay parade in the country endangers the rights of people leading an unconventional lifestyle, which bears signs of provocation and conflict with the society living according to recognized norms, and encompasses the goal of legalizing a grave sin."

The Patriarchy has assured that it respects people's rights, but the choice of the "small group" violates the rights of others – of the "absolute majority."

According to clergymen, the notion of the "March of Dignity" has nothing to do with "dignity", but is "a shift in universal values" and "has an extremely negative effect on minors' psyche."