Ukrainian Neo-Nazis threaten a ‘bloodbath’ at Kiev Pride

A ‘Neo-Nazi’ group in Ukraine have warned LGBT residents there will be a ‘bloodbath’ if a planned pride event takes place in the capital of Kiev.

The March for Equality is currently scheduled to take place on June 12 with LGBTI activists determined for the event to go ahead.

A statement by the Organisation of Ukrainian Nationalists reads: “Today, we are forced to accept LGBT marches and festivals, and thus join the ranks of sinners and those who cover them. Who is going to be equated on this Sabbath? Immoral freaks, clowns and degenerates will be equated with those who have honor and dignity, respect and love for their neighbor, soldiers who gave their lives and health protecting peace in the country?”

Artem Skoropadsky – spokesperson for the Right Sector nationalist movement, who are backed by the Ukraine Orthodox Church – posted to Facebook: “Our colleagues from the OUN movement have released a strong statement about the gay parade in Kiev. In short, on June 12, there will be a bloodbath in Kiev. The organizers of the march still have time not to hold the march.”

However, Olena Semenova of the Kyiv Pride committee, said: “Pride is a public event. This is our open dialogue with those in power. This is also our dialogue with society. People have to see who we are really, why we think that our citizen rights are being violated, and what we want. We should not be ashamed of diversity. We will remind this again and again every year.”

These fresh threats come after an LGBTI rights conference was shut down in Kiev in March due to a homophobic mob attacking the Hotel Dnister with rocks and fireworks.

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