site.btaSocialist Party Leader on Sofia Pride Parade: Attempts to Impose Differences Will Backfire

Sofia, June 7 (BTA) - Replying to an invitation from the organizers of the Sofia Pride Parade to join the June 9 event, Socialist Party leader Kornelia Ninova said: "We oppose violence and discrimination against anyone, including LGBTI people. They are free to choose how they live their life. However, attempts to force differences on a society which does not accept them will backfire."

Ninova also said that while she respects LGBTI people, she expects to see respect for the opinion of 75 per cent of Bulgarians, which she shares. She said she was against same-sex marriage and same-sex couple adoptions, adding that this was her personal opinion.

The Socialist leader said that the members of her team would each decide for themselves if they wanted to join the event.

The event has already met with opposition from the political group of the VMRO and Ataka parties in Sofia's Municipal Council and from the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.