Warsaw installs “unbreakable” rainbow sculpture to thwart anti-gay vandalism
Vandals tried to destroy the previous installation several times, eventually setting it on fire and causing it to be torn down
A group of gay rights organizations in Warsaw have erected a rainbow statue that many are considering “unbreakable.”
The new rainbow installation stands in a busy intersection in the Polish capital, and is formed by using water and light to produce the rainbow on a wall of mist.
The new installation effectively prevents the sculpture from being destroyed — an unfortunate necessity, after a previous installation was repeatedly targeted by anti-gay vandals.
The old rainbow was constructed from artificial flowers, but was removed in 2015 after being set on fire in seven separate attacks throughout the years. The destruction of the rainbow sculpture — and the creation of a new, “unbreakable” one — is considered by LGBTQ people in Poland to be a symbol for their rights.
“This rainbow signifies the start of a wider campaign to raise awareness of LGBT rights and in particular the fight for marriage equality in Poland,” Ola Muzinska, chairperson of the Love Does Not Exclude Association and one of the organisers of the rainbow, told Britain’s The Telegraph. “Our message is: love is love, we want to bring as many people into the movement as possible over the next few years.”
The rainbow was used to kick off Warsaw Pride, which saw its largest attendance in years.
Poland is considered to be the second most homophobic country in Europe by the International Lesbian, Gay, Trans and Intersex Association.
While attitudes towards homosexuality have become less harsh over the years, and even led to the election of the country’s first openly gay politician, the constitution still describes marriage between a man and a woman, meaning any attempts for equal marriage are considered unconstitutional.
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