 | Gay Pride in Ukraine on Saturday could end in a “massacre” Call on the authorities now to protect marchers from violence  | |
Dear friends,
A courageous group of campaigners in Ukraine want to organize a gay Pride march this Saturday. But extremists have threatened them with violence. A local activist has said that without protection, Pride could become “a massacre.”
The Pride organisers met with authorities yesterday to ask for protection for the marchers – but they haven’t got a guarantee that people will be kept safe from violent attacks.
In 2013, global pressure helped a Pride march in Ukraine go ahead safely. If we join together, we can do that again. Sign and share now – we’ll deliver the petition to the government on Friday:go.allout.org/en/a/kiev-pride Lesbian, gay, bi and trans people in Ukraine often face discrimination, and are even targets for abuse by public officials.This Pride march is an important call for equality.
Far right, anti-gay groups have become more powerful in Ukraine since the government was overthrown in 2014. One anti-gay group has specifically warned that they'll come after gay, lesbian, bi, and trans people if they march on Saturday.
Pride organisers have been attacked in Ukraine before. In 2012, two members of the group, Gay Forum, had tear gas sprayed in their eyes amidst a torrent of anti-gay abuse. Another activist was punched in the face until his jaw broke.
In 2012 and 2014, Kiev Pride had to be cancelled by the organizers because the Police failed to guarantee the safety of the demonstrators in the face of violent counter–demonstrations. But in 2013 – thanks to EU pressure – marchers were properly protected and Pride went ahead.
We’ve won on this issue before. In Argentina last year, more than 10,000 All Out members signed a petition that pushed Buenos Aires city officials to provide security and safety for the Pride parade. Now let's fight for protection for Pride marchers in Kiev, too. Sign now: go.allout.org/en/a/kiev-pride Thanks for going All Out,
Andre, Jeremy and the rest of the All Out team.
P.S. All Out depends on small donations from members. Every individual donation goes to powering groundbreaking global campaigns. It also means governments and corporations can't tell us what to do because we won't take their money. Will you help keep us strong? Click here now to chip in:go.allout.org/en/a/ps-donate 
