Tens of thousands march at Pride events in Romania and Bulgaria to demand equality

Tens of thousands of people participated in Pride events across Romania and Bulgaria, marching to demand equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. The demonstrations underscore a growing push for legal recognition and protections in Eastern European nations that lag behind Western Europe on LGBTQ+ issues.

Despite being members of the European Union, both Romania and Bulgaria currently do not recognize same-sex marriage or civil partnerships. This legal stance contrasts with the EU's broader prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation, leaving many LGBTQ+ individuals without legal protections afforded to heterosexual couples.

The marches, held in major cities, saw vibrant displays of solidarity and calls for legislative change. Participants voiced their demands for comprehensive anti-discrimination laws and the formal acknowledgment of same-sex relationships, aiming to foster more inclusive societies.