Some 1,000 people participated in a gay-pride march in the Romanian capital, Bucharest, on May 20 to protest actions by lawmakers they say will restrict their rights.
U.S. Ambassador Hans Klemm and some 30 other ambassadors were among those expressing support for the marchers and calling for the protection of LGBT rights.
The march has been held the past 13 years in Romania, which decriminalized homosexuality in 2001.
This year’s protest focused on an initiative recently approved by lawmakers that could amend the constitution to state that marriage is a union between a man and woman.
Current wording states marriage is a union between "spouses."
The marchers observed a moment of silence as they passed the Russian Embassy to express solidarity with gays in Chechnya.
The European Parliament on May 18 called on the authorities in Chechnya to allow international human rights organizations to conduct “a credible investigation into the alleged crimes against men perceived to be gay” in the North Caucasus republic amid reports many have been detained and tortured.
In nearby Moldova, leaders of the LBGT community said they will hold a march in Chisinau on May 21 to protest what they perceive as antigay legislation.
Moldovan President Igor Dodon has criticized the march, saying the "actions contradict our traditional values."
Editors' Picks
Top Trending
1
Losing Syria Is A 'Huge Slap In The Face' For Russia
2The Ruble Swoons And Russia's Economy Wobbles Further
3Russian Woman Arrested In U.S. For Alleged Ties To Russian Intelligence
4Romanian Court Annuls Presidential Election, Throws Process Into Chaos
5Romanian Elections Targeted By 'Aggressive Hybrid Russian Action,' Declassified Documents Show
6Romania's 'King Of TikTok' Tied To Alleged Scheme Boosting Far-Right Presidential Candidate
7Syrian Troops Reportedly Thwart Rebel Advance Near Russian Air Base
8The Wasteland: Shocking New Images From Russian-Occupied Maryinka
9NATO Agrees To Prioritize Protecting Ukraine's Infrastructure
10The Bidens And Burisma: President's Pardon Stretches Back To Son's Time As Ukraine Company Board Member
RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.
If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.
To find out more, click here.
