Orthodox homophobic rally, Tbilisi, Georgia © Onnik James Krikorian 2013
New Internationalist magazine has published my short piece on the 17th May priest-led homophobic rampage in Tbilisi in its July edition in which I ask, why were nettle-wielding women and stool-throwing priests allowed to attack LGTBI activists? For those of you that don’t subscribe to the physical magazine, it’s also available online.
Recent events in Georgian capital Tbilisi are alarming many who hoped progressive views might win out over more intolerant, traditional values.
The clash of ideals was starkly evident at an event to mark the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO), which was disrupted by up to 20,000 counter-demonstrators in May.
[…]
The confrontation descended into violence when the 50 LGBT activists at the IDAHO event were forced to flee after the Orthodox crowd broke through barriers, meeting little or no police resistance.
In a scene akin to a medieval witch-hunt, elderly women holding stinging nettles sought to thrash homosexuals, and priests wielded wooden stools to beat and smash anyone or anything they could find.
Two priests were among just a handful of people arrested. But human rights groups and local civil society organizations are concerned that the government is unable, or unwilling, to rein in Church power.
In the two decades since the country declared independence, the power and influence of the Georgian Orthodox Church appears to have increased.
Some activists are saying that Georgia risks resembling little more than a theocracy, while LGBT groups are already reporting a spike in the number of cases of harassment and assault.
The full article is available here.
Orthodox homophobic rally, Tbilisi, Georgia © Onnik James Krikorian 2013
