Pride march takes place in eastern Romanian city of Iași amid opposition

Approximately 600 people participated in the pride march held on Sunday afternoon, June 11, in Iași, eastern Romania. A smaller counter-demonstration also took place.

The Rise OUT Association organized the third edition of the Iași Pride march, with approximately 600 people in attendance. The participants gathered in front of the Alexandru Ioan Cuza University and then marched towards the city center.

During the march, which followed the route Copou - Independence Boulevard - Elena Doamna Street - Anastasie Panu Street - Palatul Culturii, the participants shouted, "we are not ashamed," "solidarity," "equal rights for everyone," "Iași is love," and "emancipation, not discrimination."

The organizers of the event stated that Iași is a city where the diversity of the community should be embraced. The event was authorized by the Iași City Hall, according to News.ro.

Dozens of opponents to the march were present in the university area with religious symbols in hand. They were separated from the march participants by police.

The counter-demonstration consisted of roughly 30 people who chanted "Iași is not Sodom." They also booed. At one point, someone from among the group threw water at the march participants.

Local church representatives also condemned the pride march, saying it promotes a “dehumanizing ideology.”

(Photo source: Rise Out on Facebook)