Lithuanians intolerant towards minorities

Lithuania's first gay parade led to rioting provoked by counter demonstrators. The daily Lietuvos Rytas criticises the widespread intolerance towards minorities: "The smaller and more virtual the opponent the better; the main thing is you prove you're a true Lithuanian. There have long been no more Jews in Lithuania and yet still they are fought off. ... Polish surnames spelt with 'w' and gays are further examples of fabricated enemies. So with each day that passes the conviction grows that a true Lithuanian is only he who uses his fists against others and goes around shouting without any regard for etiquette. Gays are naturally not true Lithuanians. And judging by the reactions to the statements of fascist demonstrators, ... even they are more worthy Lithuanians than gays. But with this attitude we marginalise five percent of the population, or 170,000 people. And if you include the Polish minority it adds up to another 220,000."

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