Police in Moldova use tear gas on anti-LGBT protesters trying to disrupt Pride march

Police in Moldova fired tear gas at anti-LGBT protesters to keep them away from a Pride march.

LGBT activists feared a repeat of violent scenes at the annual Moldova Pride solidarity march, which took place in the country’s capital Chisinau on May 19.

Last year’s march was marred by clashes between anti-LGBT Orthodox Christian protesters and the LGBT activists – with the country’s President Igar Dodon publicly hitting out at the LGBT event.

However, this year’s event enjoyed a significant level of police protection, preventing further clashes.

Radio Free Europe reports that the protesters “were fended off by police who deployed tear gas,” as the Pride march progressed – with LGBT activists carrying foam hearts.

The protection for the event comes after 20 embassies signed a statement of support for the LGBT march.

The missions of Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States signed the statement, which was issued on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (May 17).

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It said: “We express our support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons in the Republic of Moldova.

“We note that the 17th LGBTI Festival ‘Moldova Pride’ is currently taking place.