Ukraine: Odessa LGBT pride march planned August 13

Event

LGBT activists plan to hold Odessa's second annual LGBT pride march on Sunday, August 13. The march will begin at the Colonnade on Primorska Street at 10:00 (local time). Conservative and religious groups have already petitioned the mayor to cancel the event; however, reports say the city will likely allow the march to continue under heavy police protection. A group of religious officials intend to hold a counter-march reportedly in defense of "traditional values" from Hretska Square to Primorsky Boulevard. While both events are intended to be peaceful, violent clashes remain possible.

Context

Anti-LGBT violence is not rare in Ukraine. On June 13, protesters burned an LGBT flag during a Kiev Pride 2017 event. And in May, around 30 masked assailants assaulted participants and police officers at an LGBT event held in the city of Kharkiv (Kharkiv province).

Last year's LGBT pride march in Kiev, which involved 1500 participants, was relatively peaceful. There were 5500 police present who detained, and later released, 57 people for trying to disturb the march. Odessa's first LGBT march in 2016 occurred without major incident.

Advice

Individuals are advised to remain vigilant and to adhere to any instructions issued by local security forces.