The British Ambassador to Bulgaria, Steve Williams, officially supports the upcoming Gay Pride Parade in Sofia this Saturday.

In a letter distributed by the Embassy’s press center, the Ambassador voices his support to all those who will be celebrating diversity on June 26.

“Respect for human rights is one of the core democratic values on which the European Union is based. Those human rights apply equally to all people, regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity, belief, or sexual orientation. Many excuses - such as respect for religious doctrine or traditional values - are given to justify homophobia. Let us be clear: in today's European Union there can be no excuse and no justification for homophobia, on any grounds,” the Ambassador points out.

According to Williams, Sofia Pride is not just about lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-sexual (LGBT) people standing up for their rights; the celebration is "about all of us - straight or gay - standing up for those rights, and making sure that they are put into practice in our everyday actions and behavior."

The Ambassador appeals to all to say no to intolerance, to prejudice, to discrimination, to hate speech, to violence - all things which, regrettably, LGBT people continue to experience far too often.

“It is about saying yes to equality, yes to tolerance, and yes to embracing diversity. And it is about then doing what we say. I wish all the participants in Sofia Pride 2010 a safe and enjoyable day, “Steve Williams concludes.

Twenty-five Bulgarian organizations have united for a joint declaration against the 3rd annual gay pride parade in Sofia.

The nationalist VMRO party and the Orthodox Church also condemned the event.