Thousands March in Vilnius Pride Parade for Equal Rights
Around 18,000 people took part in Vilnius's annual Pride march, urging politicians to recognize same-sex partnerships and adoption rights, while small counter-protests occurred along the route.
On Saturday, approximately 18,000 participants gathered for Vilnius's annual Pride march, which began outside the Martynas Mažvydas National Library and ended at Kalnų Parkas, where a festival concert was held. The event, under the banner "For Equality!," was part of the broader Lithuanian Pride festival.
Marchers delivered a clear message to politicians: "All families in Lithuania matter." Currently, same-sex couples in Lithuania cannot marry or jointly adopt children. Civil partnerships, though recognized by courts, are not registered by the state, forcing couples to seek legal recognition through the courts on a case-by-case basis.
Greta, a participant, emphasized visibility: "We're showing that there are many of us, that we exist, that we need rights – marriage, so we don't have to go through the courts for partnership." She noted that women walking together might sometimes pass unnoticed, but it's harder for men. Rimas, a volunteer with LGBT+ organizations, said the march mattered beyond Vilnius: "It's important to show the whole of Lithuania, especially people in smaller towns and villages, that these people exist, and that it's OK."
Egidija stated, "No one person is worth less than another. It's only natural that everyone should be equal and have equal rights." Romanas, who came to show solidarity, said the pursuit of equality remains a challenge for society and politicians, but he found the atmosphere encouraging.
Several politicians joined the march, including members of the Liberal Movement, the Freedom Party, the Lithuanian Greens, as well as the conservative Homeland Union party. Vilnius mayor Valdas Benkunskas and social democrat Laurynas Šedvydis, chair of the parliament's Human Rights Committee, also attended.
Small groups of counter-protesters gathered along the route, carrying placards reading "Protest against LGBT ideology" and "Family is only a man, woman and children." One group held religious symbols and recited prayers; another chanted "Lithuania." Mykolė, a 40-year-old social worker, said the march conflicted with Christian values.
Police reported that eight people were detained or cited for offenses during the march. One was held on suspicion of drug possession, one for public intoxication, three for obstructing traffic, two minors for failing to comply with police orders, and one for a minor public order offense. At around 15:40, police detained a man who threw a black smoke device at marchers. He was placed in a police vehicle, though further details were not immediately available.
