Lithuania's LGBTQ+ Pride Parade Draws 20,000, Calls for Family Equality

(Central News Agency, Vilnius, 7th – Special Correspondent You-Ju Yao) A large-scale LGBTQ+ rights parade, 'Už lygybę! (For Equality!)', was held in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, on June 6, advocating for family equality and the protection of LGBTQ+ rights. Organizers estimated that approximately 20,000 people participated, with the procession moving along the city's main thoroughfare in a lively atmosphere.

The parade featured dozens of decorated trucks and vehicles carrying representatives from various groups, who danced and sang to music. Crowds waving rainbow flags and placards marched alongside the vehicles, creating a festive and energetic environment.

The organizer, the Lithuanian national LGBT rights organization LGL, stated that this year's parade focused on 'For Family Equality', emphasizing the need to ensure equal status, visibility, and full legal protection for all families in Lithuanian society.

Lithuanian Member of Parliament and Vice-Chairman of the pro-Taiwan group, Matas Maldeikis, attended the event to show his support.

In an interview with CNA, Maldeikis noted that there is still significant division within Lithuania regarding LGBTQ+ rights, including whether to establish a partnership system or open marriage. He estimated that public opinion is roughly split in half.

Maldeikis stated that the pride parade sends a message to society about 'fighting for equal rights'. He also believes that as long as individuals fulfill their tax and civic duties, everyone should enjoy equal rights, including the freedom to form a partnership or marriage with the person they love, which is why he came to support the event.

Marina, a participant from Russia, said that while LGBTQ+ rights are relatively protected in some European countries, they are still severely restricted in many others. She noted that in Russia, LGBTQ+ individuals can even be labeled as 'extremists'. Therefore, she argued, it is all the more necessary for those who can freely participate in such parades to stand up, make their presence known to society, and call for the protection of their rights.

The event also saw the presence of opposition groups. Several hundred protesters gathered in front of Vilnius Cathedral along the parade route, holding signs that read 'Against LGBT Ideology', 'A Family Should Consist of a Man, a Woman, and Children', and 'Lithuania Should Remain Pure'. Some protesters carried religious symbols and prayed, highlighting the clear divide between supporters and opponents of LGBTQ+ rights in the country.

Lithuania has not yet enacted comprehensive legal protections for same-sex partnerships. Although the Constitutional Court has ruled that laws restricting recognition to only opposite-sex couples are unconstitutional and that same-sex couples should be entitled to legal protection, the parliament has yet to pass the necessary legislation, leaving the legal framework incomplete.

In the absence of clear legislation, some same-sex couples have been able to register gender-neutral partnerships on a case-by-case basis through the courts. However, the Ministry of Justice has appealed these rulings, creating legal disputes and uncertainty regarding the application of the law. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150608