“Equality Movement” cancelled the rally planned in front of the Georgia’s Government Chancellery in connecting with  May 17 – the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia.

The activists of the “Equality Movement” made the regarding statement at a special briefing held on May 16. According to members of “Equality Movement” they took this decision in order to avoid the possible confrontation.

“May 17th is the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia. Annually we, LGBT activists, our friends, family members and allies, representatives of local and international organizations, and part of society, for whom this day is important are gathering to remind the society of destructive results caused by hate and aggression”, – the statement released by the organization reads.

According to them this year they met the representatives of Ministry of Internal Affairs and Ministry pledged to provide security guarantees, but due to recent developments and social tension caused by police raid on Tbilisi nightclubs forced them to make the mentioned decision.

“We have reasonable doubt that on May 17 of this year unprecedented mobilization has been announced by the groups who show hostility towards us. They are preparing unprecedented mobilization to create unrest and civil confrontation in the city.

As far as we realize all existing and real threats, LGBT activists have made hardest and consolidated decision to give up our constitutional right on self-expression and to cancel the rally planned in front of  the Georgia’s Chancellery for May 17,”  – the statement by the “Equality Movement” reads.