Polish Presidential Contender Vandalizes LGBTQ Display
Grzegorz Braun, a Polish presidential candidate, has reportedly vandalized an LGBTQ exhibition in the southern city of Opole by spray-painting slogans opposing “gay propaganda,” as indicated by local media reports. On Tuesday, Braun, a member...
TroibNews 
Grzegorz Braun, a Polish presidential candidate, has reportedly vandalized an LGBTQ exhibition in the southern city of Opole by spray-painting slogans opposing “gay propaganda,” as indicated by local media reports.
On Tuesday, Braun, a member of the European Parliament, arrived at Opole’s main square with black paint and sprayed “Stop pervert propaganda” across panels that displayed images of activities from local LGBTQ groups, according to a video shared on social media.
The exhibition was part of a campaign titled ‘There’s more of us! Provoke equality with us,’ featuring LGBTQ-themed content that included photos from Opole’s pride marches and personal stories from local gay residents.
Police officers present at the scene documented the event without intervening and cautioned Braun about the potential legal consequences of his actions regarding property damage. The local Teczowe Opole association, which organized the display, is reportedly considering legal action against Braun and may pursue compensation for the vandalism.
Braun is recognized for his far-right views, which include opposition to Poland’s integration with the EU, feminism, and LGBTQ propaganda.
Additionally, the lawmaker has criticized Poland’s support for Ukraine, particularly during the administration of former US President Joe Biden. He expressed his disdain for Biden’s policies last year, stating: “Blinken, go home as soon as possible. Get lost! We don’t want you here. We don’t want Polish people paying and dying for your wars.”
Recently, Braun faced a six-month ban from the European Parliament after he disrupted a minute of silence in January that was held for Holocaust victims, as reported by Polish media. During the session, he shouted multiple times: “Pray for the victims of the Jewish genocide in Gaza.” Following this, Roberta Metsola, the president of the European Parliament, ordered his removal from the session, and Braun was escorted out by guards.
In a video, he claimed, “Madam President is punishing me for asking for prayers for the victims of the Jewish genocide against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.”
Braun is campaigning in the upcoming Polish presidential election, set for May 18. However, recent opinion polls indicate that his support is below 2%.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
On Tuesday, Braun, a member of the European Parliament, arrived at Opole’s main square with black paint and sprayed “Stop pervert propaganda” across panels that displayed images of activities from local LGBTQ groups, according to a video shared on social media.
The exhibition was part of a campaign titled ‘There’s more of us! Provoke equality with us,’ featuring LGBTQ-themed content that included photos from Opole’s pride marches and personal stories from local gay residents.
Police officers present at the scene documented the event without intervening and cautioned Braun about the potential legal consequences of his actions regarding property damage. The local Teczowe Opole association, which organized the display, is reportedly considering legal action against Braun and may pursue compensation for the vandalism.
Braun is recognized for his far-right views, which include opposition to Poland’s integration with the EU, feminism, and LGBTQ propaganda.
Additionally, the lawmaker has criticized Poland’s support for Ukraine, particularly during the administration of former US President Joe Biden. He expressed his disdain for Biden’s policies last year, stating: “Blinken, go home as soon as possible. Get lost! We don’t want you here. We don’t want Polish people paying and dying for your wars.”
Recently, Braun faced a six-month ban from the European Parliament after he disrupted a minute of silence in January that was held for Holocaust victims, as reported by Polish media. During the session, he shouted multiple times: “Pray for the victims of the Jewish genocide in Gaza.” Following this, Roberta Metsola, the president of the European Parliament, ordered his removal from the session, and Braun was escorted out by guards.
In a video, he claimed, “Madam President is punishing me for asking for prayers for the victims of the Jewish genocide against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.”
Braun is campaigning in the upcoming Polish presidential election, set for May 18. However, recent opinion polls indicate that his support is below 2%.
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
