Foreign media responds to events developed in Tbilisi

While discrimination against sexual orientation is illegal in Georgia, the country - which lies between Eastern Europe and Western Asia - remains very conservative, - reads an article published by the BBC: “Tbilisi Pride cancelled amid violent protests”.

According to the BBC, the above has not been the first attack on the LGBTQ community.

“In 2019, far-right protesters joined demonstrations against the premiere of Georgia's first LGBTQ film in Tbilisi”, reads the article and adds that at least 20 journalists were reportedly injured in the violence, while an LGBT rainbow flag was burned in the street.

The Guardian also describes the events developed in Tbilisi.

“This is not the first time that violence has broken out over a pride march in Tbilisi, a city with a vibrant LGBTQ community that has also seen homophobic violence led by ultra-conservative politicians and Orthodox church leaders.

In 2013, priests led a mob chanting “no to gays” during an attack on a pride parade in Tbilisi that left its organisers in hiding. The violence has undermined Georgia’s efforts to bolster its pro-democracy and human rights credentials as it seeks greater ties with Europe”, reads the article.

According to France Press, pride events are still controversial in Georgia, a conservative country where the powerful Orthodox Church has previously clashed with Western-leaning governments over progressive social issues.

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