Organizers behind Cyprus' first Gay
Pride Parade said Saturday that participation exceeded their
expectations.
Costas Gavrielides, president of
ACCEPT-LGBT Cyprus, said he had expected a few hundred people to join
the event. Instead, several thousands of people turned out to help
inaugurate what is hoped to be an annual celebration.
“This proves that Cypriot society has
progressed much more than politicians say,” Gavrielides told the
AP.
“It's the first time that we witness
this in Cyprus. And I believe it's of great importance for all
people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, religion,
whatever background,” Rafaela, a supporter of gay rights, told the
AFP.
According to the AP, police restrained
a small group of protesters who attempted to break though police
barriers and approach the parade.
In a statement, the Cyprus Orthodox
Christian church condemned the parade, saying it believes being gay
is “an illness and not a natural way of life or choice.”