Ruling party head says holding of Tbilisi Pride events unreasonable
The head of the ruling Georgian Dream party Irakl Kobakhidze has stated that organisers of Tbilisi Pride did not act in a responsible manner when they planned events for the next month. Photo: Irakli Kobakhidze’s Facebook page.
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The head of the ruling Georgian Dream party Irakli Kobakhidze says that the organisers of Tbilisi Pride should not have planned the events 'considering the current situation in the country and the context.’
Kobakhidze told TV Pirveli yesterday that ‘it would be a responsible decision by the organisers of Tbilisi Pride to cancel the events. However, what can we do?’
He stated that ‘it is his personal view because the context is very complex,’ adding that ‘It is not because I am trying to please the church. The church does not need my support.’
???? #TbilisiPride2021 will take place during 1-5 July, consisting of events, including: Queer Fest and March for Dignity.
— Tbilisi Pride (@TbilisiPride) June 4, 2021
❗On 5th of July we march for #Solidarity with partner social movements.
✊ Our #Pride is political and we need international solidarity as well. Join us! pic.twitter.com/Rle1zCGqfC
Earlier this week right-wing businessman Levan Vasadze, who has recently founded political movement Unity, Essence, Hope, has urged the government to cancel Tbilisi Pride events between 1-5 July.
Vasadze said that the events, which aim to boost the public’s awareness of LGBT issues, will lead to destabilisation like in previous years.
We give time to the government until June 25 to cancel the events, otherwise people will react to the government’s decision,” Vasadze said.
He stated that Tbilisi Pride events and march on Rustaveli Avenue in central Tbilisi on July 5 will not take place anyway because people will gather there and will not allow the ‘anti-Christian and anti-Georgian’ activities.
Tbilisi Pride organisers stated earlier this week that the government is ‘always indifferent’ to LGBT issues and the violations of rights of sexual minorities.’
Right-wing businessman Levan Vasadze, who has recently founded political movement Unity, Essence, Hope, has urged the government to cancel Tbilisi Pride events between 1-5 July.
Police will ensure public order, safety and freedom of expression during the events marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia in Tbilisi between May 15-20, the Interior Ministry says.
Ultranationalist businessman Levan Vasadze, who has actively participated in anti-LGBT campaigns in recent years, has announced his plans earlier today to enter politics.
Turmoil around the first Tbilisi Pride - a week-long event dedicated to the rights of LGBT individuals - continues as organisers decided yesterday to hold the events despite threats coming from nationalist groups. the organisers said earlier today that LGBT march will not be held on the central streets of Tbilisi.
Protecting participants of events of the upcoming Tbilisi Pride is a direct responsibility of the government, a statement from Droa! political movement said on Friday, with the organisation calling comments by Georgian Dream party head Irakli Kobakhidze about the planned occasion "dangerous".
Thirty MEPs have called for the Georgian Interior Ministry to ensure ‘sufficient and effective protection’ of Tbilisi Pride participants between 1-5 July.
The Georgian patriarchate has called on thirty members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and diplomats in Georgia to refrain from supporting and encouraging Tbilisi Pride. Tbilisi Pride, a civic movement which opposes homo/transphobia and fights to overcome it through exercising the constitutional right of assembly and manifestation, has scheduled events for July 1-5.
The diplomatic corps and international organisations have express their solidarity with the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) individuals 'in support of equality and human rights for everyone in Georgia'.