Religious groups burn LGBT-friendly children’s books in public effigy in Croatia

In the Croatian town of Kastela, near the popular tourist hotspot Split, religious groups organised a public effigy of LGBT-friendly picture books. The books were created by Rainbow Families Croatia earlier this year to promote tolerance and understanding in the mostly Catholic country.

The book, called My Rainbow Family, tells the story of Ana and Roko who both have same-sex parents. The book’s original print of 500 copies was sold out in just days. 

Religious groups denounced the books, claiming they “symbolized evil”. They created a replica of the gay family and burnt it during a religious carnival with hundreds of onlookers.

Croatia’s Education Minister has condemned the effigy, saying in a statement: “The burning of books and discrimination are unacceptable. We can agree or disagree on some topics in the public sphere, but the messages that we send to our children must contribute to building an open and tolerant society.”

Despite this, Rainbow Families has received an outpouring of support. Donations to the organisations has reached almost $10,000 – far surpassing their target of $3,000.

With the new money, Rainbow Families has said they’re going to expand on their titles and continue their efforts to spread a message of inclusivity and tolerance: “We believe that we are contributing to the creation of a society in which the respect of diversity and the acceptance of all families is learned from a young age.”

Find out more about donating to the organisation here: 

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