The Romanian Patriarchate expressed its concern regarding Bucharest Pride: It may generate "confusion in spiritual values"

The Romanian Patriarchate has declared that it is concerned about the organization of the Bucharest Pride event, which "promotes the diversity of sexual orientations" and has urged the clergy and the faithful to "intensify prayer and cultivate the values of Christian faith in family, in parish, and in society."

Representatives of the Patriarchate emphasize that "the family founded on the marriage between a man and a woman, to give birth to children, represents a gift and a blessing from God, being the foundation of community life and the formation of young generations."

They believe that manifestations promoting "different models" can generate "confusion in spiritual values, in a social context already affected by instability and demographic decline."

"Believing that social peace and mutual respect are essential for the common good of society, the Romanian Patriarchate reminds that public manifestations like Bucharest Pride can lead to the accentuation of confusion in spiritual values in a society already affected by demographic decline and social instability," the Patriarchate's statement further shows.

Accept: We demand increased protection against hate-motivated aggression

On the other hand, Victor Ciobotaru, executive director of the Accept Association, said that in 2026 Bucharest Pride is about "demanding protection and legal recognition granted equally to all families, including those formed by same-sex couples, through marriage and civil partnership," as well as about the request for simplified procedures for gender recognition for transgender individuals.

"We demand access to medical services tailored to the specific needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals and increased protection against hate-motivated aggression. We call for inclusive education, anti-discrimination policies, punishment of hate speech, and ensuring the freedom of assembly in all cities in Romania. We no longer tolerate the ignorance of politicians!" declares Victor Ciobotaru, executive director of the ACCEPT Association.

The Bucharest Pride march is scheduled for Saturday, June 13.