France: LGBT+ Groups Hold Protest Against Homophobic Attacks In Paris

LGBT+ groups held a protest this weekend after a series of homophobic attacks in Paris.

The demonstration took place on Sunday at the Place de la Republique in Paris, with around 3,000 people attending.

Protestors took on the slogan “Be yourself without fear”  and called for more public safety for LGBT+ individuals, with many ministers and political figures joining the protest.

The demonstration was organised by LGBT+ groups SOS Homophobieand Inter-LGBT and protestors will call for “concrete” action to be taken to tackle the issue of homophobic violence, such as a national awareness campaign addressing homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.

Groups will also demand mandatory training on addressing discrimination for teachers, police and other officials.

SOS Homophobie president Joël Deumier said, “Whether they come from the Pope or Marcel Campion, any anti-LGBT comments should be systematically condemned by the government.”

While the president of LGBT charity Urgence Homophobie, Guillaume Melanie, was the victim of a homophobic attack on Tuesday night near the Etienne Marcel Metro station in Paris’ first arrondissement.

Melanie wrote in an Instagram post, “Tonight it is my turn. A homophobic attack while leaving a restaurant, broken nose, shocked, blood everywhere. I am gay and we are in 2018.” Read more via GCN