Noting that US president Barack Obama had proclaimed June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in the US, American ambassador in Sofia Nancy McEldowney has issued a statement of support for the planned Rainbow Friendship Rally taking place in Sofia on June 27 2009.

McEldowney’s statement on June 17 was preceded a day earlier by a similar expression of support for the rally from UK ambassador in Sofia Steve Williams.

"Four decades ago, the gay rights movement in the US began with the Stonewall riots in New York City," McEldowney said.  "Today, this struggle has grown into a global movement to ensure that all people live free of violence and fear, no matter who they are or whom they love."

Obama had declared June Gay and Lesbian Pride Month, McEldowney said: "We commemorate this month by reaffirming our commitment to end discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and to promote equal rights for all. 

"We also redouble our efforts to foster a world in which societies honor every citizen and ensure that all enjoy equal freedoms under the law," she said. 

The Rainbow Friendship Rally was an opportunity to advance this important cause, McEldowney said. 

"Celebrating diversity, promoting tolerance and ending discrimination lie at the very core of respect for fundamental human rights.  And this accrues to the benefit of everyone.  I congratulate the organisers of the Rainbow Friendship Rally and convey my best wishes for a successful and peaceful commemoration," she said. 

Earlier, gay-rights organisation International Queer Solidarity Network (IQSN) called for "European mobilisation, with support from the United States, that will stand in solidarity with Queer Bulgaria." 

The first Gay Pride parade was held in June 2008 and was marred by counter-protests organised by ultra-nationalists Bulgarian National Alliance (BNA).