Cyprus Holds First Pride Festival

Cypriot EU Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth Androulla Vasiliou stated on television, that it is extremely important to accept everyone on the island, as reported by Parikiaki.

Accept-LGBT President Kostas Gavriilides, stated that the organization desires a society without discrimination and prejudice, that harbors respect for each citizen, and accepts each and every individual as they are. The President added that Cyprus is: "...at the bottom of the EU together with Latvia", concerning LGBT rights.  He called on the government to change its ways.

The nation's Ombudswoman Eliza Savvidou, also supported the first Pride Festival in Cyprus, that will be held in Nicosia. She referenced two pending LGBT rights bills. The bills address civil partnerships and the criminalization of homophobia. Savvidou commented that the Festival along with the bills, reveal that Cyprus is advancing in societal equality. Nicosia's Mayor Constantinos Yiorkatzis stated that it is up to everyone to develop a diverse environment, where freedom of expression is allowed.