Thousands of Georgians followed a religious procession organized since 2014 in response to the World Day Against Homophobia.
The demonstrations follow one another and are not alike in Georgia. In the midst of a political crisis, and while the World Day Against Homophobia was being celebrated, supporters of the government massively celebrated “family purity” day.
A religious procession, followed by several thousand residents, was seen between the Kachveti church and the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Tbilisi. The procession set off after a religious service led by the Patriarchal Deputy, Metropolitan Shio Mujiri.
Members of the government took part in the procession, including Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili and Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze.
The prime minister stressed that everyone is responsible for protecting the country’s identity, as “certain forces” are trying to divide society. An allusion to LGBT associations. Irakli Kobakhidze once again pledged to do his best to protect national and state values and interests.
The Georgian Orthodox Church has celebrated May 17 as Family Purity Day since 2014, a year after a rally for LGBTQ rights in Tbilisi was violently dispersed by crowds led by priests and conservative groups.
