Kyiv: LGBT and Family Marches Held Simultaneously Under Heavy Security

[93023] Kyiv: LGBT and Family Marches Held Simultaneously Under Heavy Security

LGBT and Traditional Values Marches in the Heart of Kyiv

The center of Kyiv became a focal point of tension and extensive public activity today, June 21, as the 'KyivPride' march and counter-marches by supporters of traditional values took place simultaneously. According to reports in Times of Ukraine, about 5,000 participants arrived to support the LGBT community under tight police security that led to the closure of major city roads.

'KyivPride' participants presented a series of political and social demands. According to the report in hromadske, participants called for "official recognition of LGBT families," the enactment of a law on civil partnerships, and opposition to the draft of the new Civil Code, which they claim discriminates against them. A spokesperson for the event stated in Всевидящее ОКО that "saying that rights are not for wartime is incorrect."

At the same time, participants gathered in marches under the titles "Protecting Family and Tradition." According to Реальна Війна, which is identified with nationalistic and conservative positions, the protesters protested against what they defined as the "degradation of Father's Day" and claimed they were defending Christian values. During the ideological clashes, slogans against the community were heard, as some participants used extreme political expressions, as noted in the reports by hromadske.

The events in the Ukrainian capital were cut short. According to Київ Головне, following air raid alerts and the sound of explosions that indicated air defense activity, police ordered the march participants to head to shelters, thereby ending the planned activities. Sources such as Труха⚡️Київ noted that the events were accompanied by high tension and a massive police presence throughout the day.