27 Jul 2019 | 06:33 PM UTC
Poland: Over 1000 gather to support LGBT rights in Warsaw July 27
Over 1000 people gather to express support for LGBT rights in Warsaw on July 27, after violence recorded at pride march in Białystok earlier July 20; similar pro- and anti-LGBT demonstrations to be expected in Poland ahead of parliamentary elections expected in October
Event
Over 1000 people gathered to express their support for LGBT rights in Warsaw on Saturday, July 27, after incidents of violence and shouting of anti-LGBT insults were reported at a pride march in Białystok a week earlier. The demonstrations and unrest come after some ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party officials have recently criticized LGBT pride marches in an apparent effort to energize the party's base with criticism of values associated with Western liberalism ahead of parliamentary elections expected to be held in October.
Similar pro- and anti-LGBT demonstrations are to be expected in Poland ahead of the expected October elections.
Advice
Individuals in Warsaw and across Poland are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.