The 17th annual ‘Equality Parade’ took place as Poland’s conservative government continues to oppose civil unions for same-sex couples. Organizers put the number at 50,000, while the police said 13,000 attended the parade, with 40 foreign embassies, including those of France and the US, expressing their support.

The parade was intended to “draw attention to the rights of LGBT people, fight discrimination and promote acceptance of same-sex unions,” with people also marching in support of people with disabilities, religious minorities other marginalized groups, the organizers said.

Poland’s constitution is one of seven in the EU to ban gay marriage and the country is one of six in the 28-member bloc not to allow same-sex civil unions. The ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party in Poland came to power in late 2015 on a ticket of promoting traditional Polish values, family and Catholic traditions. – via Deutsche Welle

Szczęśliwa Pride!