Despite calls for violence by Father Evgeni Yanakiev of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church who earlier this month called upon Bulgarian “Christians” to “in every possible way oppose the gay parade that is being planned” and also that “throwing stones at gays is an appropriate way.” Bulgaria’s Sofia Pride Parade happened yesterday without violence and was a huge success .
From Christian Science Monitor:
Organizers said yesterday’s parade, the biggest yet held in Bulgaria, is a step forward in highlighting the importance of tolerance for the gay community, but that there is a long way to go in broadening acceptance of homosexuals in society in the region.
“Everything was perfect,” says Marko Markov, one of the parade organizers. “For four consecutive years there has been no violence at all at the parade itself, though we were very concerned this year. The far right is very loud but they know they can’t harm us.”
The Human Rights Watch reminded the Bulgarian government of its responsibility as a member of the Council of Europe to protect LGBT people from violence and hate speech that might lead to violence.
600 police officers were sent to the event, which drew about 1,500 to 2,000 pro-gay people, including ambassadors from the United States and England
About 150 – 200 counter-protesters did attend the even but the Bulgarian Police kept them in check.
Whatever happened to the church concept of love and tolerance? Better question is how does this SOB hold on to his congregation?