Thousands march for LGBTQ equality in Warsaw

Thousands of people marched in the capital city of Poland for LGBTQ equality on Saturday, Reuters reported. 

Marchers gathered outside the Palace of Culture in Warsaw before embarking on an “Equality Parade” to demand the end of discrimination against the LGBTQ community in Poland. 

Marchers were seen waving rainbow flags and dancing to music a DJ was playing on the stage, according to Reuters. 

Restaurant worker Sylwester Cimochowski, 22, told Reuters that the purpose of the parade was to celebrate the LGBTQ community and to fight for equal rights. 

“Homophobia is a huge problem in Poland … there are lots of people who can’t cope with it, they kill themselves. The situation of LGBT people in Poland is tragic and that’s why I’m here – to support them,” Cimochowski said. 

Polands government has in recent years pushed through conservative policies and tightened its control over society. 

The march comes days after Hungary’s legislature passed a law banning the distribution of content in schools that officials believe “promote homosexuality.” The measure was backed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose party is allied with Poland’s ruling party.