An estimated 10,000 people took to the streets of Bucharest to march for LGBTQ+ rights and equality in Romania.
Organisers put the total number of attendees at 15,000.
It comes as the government mulls a so-called ‘propaganda’ law, which has already been approved by the Senate.
The legislation would mirror what has been introduced in Russia and Hungary, as materials “promoting” LGBTQ+ identities would be effectively banned in schools.
Rights groups have warned that it could even lead to limitations on marches and public events with LGBTQ+ themes, as has been the case in Russia.
Andrew Noble, the British ambassador to Romania, reportedly spoke at the parade in Bucharest, which was held on 9 July.
“None of us are free until we are all free,” he told the crowd, according to Libertatea.
Happy Pride! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜Today we were proud to take part in #BucharestPride and lead the #DiplomatsForEquality march alongside other diplomatic missions to Romania, supporting LGBTQI+ rights and celebrating diversity.#GreatLove is for everyone!@FCDO_FLAG pic.twitter.com/3Pkyf9zS90
— UK Embassy Bucharest (@ukinromania) July 9, 2022
Noble continued: “Giving rights to the LGBTQ+ community is not a threat to anyone. We all, including our governments, must work for inclusive societies, to protect the laws of all.
“It is everyone’s duty to eliminate inequality and exclusion. Happy Pride to all!”
Although LGBTQ+ rights in Romania have come a long way, with homosexuality being decriminalised more than two decades ago, the country remains socially conservative and same-sex marriages and civil partnerships are illegal there.
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