The March for Dignity is planned for 5 July 2021 and will be organised by Tbilisi Pride, which is currently celebrating Pride Week. Pride demonstrations are a peaceful tool for LGBT political advocacy and an opportunity for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, during which the community voices its needs, highlights its achievements, and gives community members and their supporters the opportunity to take to the streets to achieve equality.
Violent, homophobic groups who publicly call for violence and vow to act against Dignity March participants, continue to threaten the pride events. We expect that the aggression of homophobic groups during the coverage of the event will also pose a significant threat to media representatives.
The member organisations of the Media Advocacy Coalition believe that the protection and recognition of minority rights is a shared responsibility. Putting an end to discrimination and violence is a particular responsibility of the state.
We appeal to the Ministry of the Interior to:
– Ensure the safety of the participants of the March for Dignity;
– Protect media representatives from illegal interference in their journalistic activities;
– Provide a timely and appropriate legal response to all calls for violence and attempts at public incitement.
The member organisations of the Media Advocacy Coalition urge the media to exercise caution in reporting on violent groups and not to encourage discrimination
