New York, NY- Violence erupted during a peaceful celebration of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHoT marchers) in the Georgian capital Tbilisi on Friday. Orthodox Priests lead thousands of anti-gay marchers in the clash, injuring at least 28 people. RT News reports 10,000 Orthodox marchers met the peaceful IDAHO demonstrators
On Thursday, Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili said in a statement that "LGBTI rights are human rights," and the country's government is "committed to upholding the rights of all of its citizens."
"All Out strongly condemns the violence against peaceful lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and allied marchers in Georgia during the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia demonstration," Andre Banks, Executive Director and Co-Founder of All Out said. "Today's violence, which was allegedly led by faith leaders, proves how far Georgia is from ensuring that no citizen has to sacrifice their safety or dignity because of who they are or who they love. More than 1.5 million All Out members from every country in the world — including Georgia — are tired of seeing lesbian, gay, bi, trans people violently attacked. The Georgian police have an obligation under international law to need to protect lesbian, gay, and bi people from violence."
"All Out applauds Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili for recognizing the human dignity of lesbian, gay, bi, trans, and intersex people on Thursday," Andre Banks said, "But clearly words are not enough in Georgia. The Prime Minister of Georgia needs to make sure those who lead the attacks against IDAHoT demonstrators our held accountable for their actions."
Video and photos of the clash via here; rt.com/news/anti-gay-clashes-tbilisi-421/ .
About All Out:
In 76 countries it is a crime to be gay; in 10 it can cost you your life. All Out is mobilizing millions of people and their social networks to build a powerful global movement for love and equality. Our mission is to build a world where no person will have to sacrifice their family or freedom, safety or dignity, because of who they are or who they love.