Georgia's prime minister joins tens of thousands in a march to promote 'family purity'

TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — Georgia's prime minister joined tens of thousands of people on a march through the capital on Friday to mark the Day of Family Purity, which celebrates so-called traditional family values in the country where animosity toward sexual minorities is strong.

Observances of the day, which was initiated by the Georgian Orthodox Church in 2013, were also held in more than 20 other cities.

Liberal groups have complained that the event coincides with the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and parliamentary Speaker Shalva Papuashvili were among those who marched in Tbilisi. The march ended at the capital's Trinity Cathedral, where Kobakhidze praised the event for “protecting the country’s identity, language and faith.”