Supporters of Moldova’s LGBT community held a Pride parade in the capital, Chisinau, on June 18, the first ever held in the country without strong police protection from socially conservative, Orthodox Christian protesters. Hundreds of people strolled the streets waving rainbow flags and banners promoting tolerance, while about 100 Orthodox clergymen and their supporters looked on holding signs supporting “the traditional family.” Initially, the Chisinau mayor signaled that he would prohibit the event, but he relented after a strong reaction from human rights groups and the country’s rights ombudsman. To read the original story by RFE/RL’s Moldovan Service, click here.
