Steve Williams, the British ambassador to Bulgaria, has been sharply criticised after he sent a message of support for a Rainbow Friendship Rally in Sofia due to take place on Sunday June 27. 

The same event last year ended in violence when marchers clashed with nationalists and police.

"Celebrating diversity is not about promoting a lifestyle," wrote the British ambassador in his original declaration of support. "It is about promoting respect for fundamental human rights. It is about the very essence of our European democratic values."

But ambassador Williams' stance drew a vitriolic response from Bojan Rasate, the leader of the Guardia Bulgarian National Alliance, a far-right political party.

"He should mind his own business and his country's business," said Rasate. "He has no right to tell Bulgarians how to live in Bulgaria. Europe has been ruled by homosexuals for a long time. We do not care how they live, but we do not want them to impose their pervert values on us."

In response to the recent criticism, Ambassador Williams issued the following statement. "The UK supports human rights across the globe. That is reflected in my message of support for the Rainbow Friendship rally in Sofia, and its celebration of diversity. A person's sexual orientation does not limit their right to live as they choose, without fear of intimidation, discrimination or prejudice. I welcome the fact that many other Ambassadors in Sofia have sent similar messages of support."

On June 17 2009 a statement by United Partners public relations agency said that nine embassies have vowed to support the Rainbow Friendship march scheduled for June 27 2009 in Sofia. These are the embassies of UK, Belgium, The Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, France, Sweden, Norway and Germany.

On June 17, US ambassador in Sofia Nancy McEldowney also issued a statement of support for the Rainbow Friendship Rally.