Over 20 embassies issue joint statement for the 20th anniversary of Bucharest pride: “The Romanian people reaffirmed their commitment to democratic values”

On Thursday, over 20 embassies issued a joint statement marking the 20th anniversary of Bucharest Pride, commending the Romanian people for reaffirming their commitment to democratic values, pluralism, and European integration. “Respect for the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons is not a matter of ideology, but a matter of legal obligation and democratic integrity,” the diplomatic missions emphasized. They also highlighted the importance of Pride events held outside the capital, noting that such events are essential for building inclusive local communities.

“On the occasion of the 20th anniversary edition of Bucharest Pride, we, the diplomatic missions, reaffirm our strong and unwavering support for the LGBTIQ+ community in Romania. The Romanian people have reiterated their commitment to democratic values, pluralism, and European integration. These values—dignity, equality, and justice—are also at the core of the LGBTIQ+ rights movement. Respect for the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons is not a matter of ideology, but one of legal obligation and democratic integrity,” reads the message signed on Thursday by representatives of 24 embassies.

The signatories also expressed “appreciation and support for Pride events taking place throughout the country—in Brașov, Cluj, Iași, Oradea, and Timișoara.”

“These regional Pride events are essential for building inclusive local communities, amplifying the voices of LGBTIQ+ individuals outside the capital, and showing that equality must be a reality for everyone, everywhere in Romania. Their presence strengthens the national human rights movement and sends the message that love knows no borders,” the statement adds.

The embassies also reminded that “the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons are firmly protected by European Union legislation and international human rights treaties.”

“The European Court of Human Rights and the Court of Justice of the European Union have repeatedly affirmed these rights—including protection against discrimination, legal recognition of families, and accessible gender recognition procedures. These rulings are binding and must be fully implemented in all EU and Council of Europe member states,” the statement further notes.

The diplomatic missions also acknowledged the “ongoing challenges.”

“Hate speech continues to threaten the safety and dignity of LGBTIQ+ persons. We will continue to support the LGBTIQ+ community in Romania and work closely with public institutions and civil society to build a society in which every person—regardless of who they are or whom they love—is treated with equality, fairness, and respect. We are proud to stand with you on this journey,” the message concludes.

The statement was signed by the embassies of: Australia, Austria, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Republic of Chile, Colombia, the Republic of Croatia, the Czech Republic, the Kingdom of Denmark, Estonia, Switzerland, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Mexico, Norway, Portugal, the Republic of Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

At the end of last month, 17 European Union countries accused Hungary of violating the EU’s fundamental values by adopting laws targeting LGBTQ+ individuals.

In March, the Hungarian Parliament passed a law creating a legal basis for banning Pride marches and allowing the police to use facial recognition cameras to identify participants. In April, the Parliament also approved constitutional amendments stating that Hungary recognizes only two sexes: male and female.

“We are deeply alarmed by these developments, which run counter to the fundamental values of human dignity, freedom, equality, and respect for human rights,” said the governments of the 17 countries in a joint declaration.

They called on Hungary to review these measures and urged the European Commission to fully exercise its powers should Budapest fail to do so. The Commission has the authority to initiate legal action against member states that breach EU law.

The declaration was supported by Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.

Bucharest Pride 2025 will take place on Saturday, marking 20 years since Romania’s LGBTQIA+ community began publicly asserting their rights, claiming visibility, and defending their dignity in the streets.

Written by News.ro |  5 iunie 2025, 13:51