Marchers on a platform drive past a controversial art installation "The Rainbow" during the annual gay pride parade in Warsaw, Poland, Saturday, June 13, 2015. Photo: Alik Keplicz, AP

Marchers on a platform drive past a controversial art installation "The Rainbow" during the annual gay pride parade in Warsaw, Poland, Saturday, June 13, 2015. Photo: Alik Keplicz, AP

WARSAW, Poland — Thousands of activists have marched in scorching weather in Warsaw’s 15th yearly “Equality Parade,” confirming a growing public support for gay rights.

The participants chanted in support of same-sex marriage and the right for same-sex couples to adopt children. Carrying a huge rainbow-colored flag, they marched from the Parliament building, through the downtown Savior Square, where a giant rainbow stands.

The artwork has been repeatedly burnt by right-wing groups and is to be moved next year to another location.

Small groups of gay rights opponents chanted hostile rhymes, but there was no violence.

Recent proposals by left-wing lawmakers to debate regulations that would allow for same-sex marriage have been rejected in Parliament. Poland has no rights for same-sex couples, but the awareness of the need for them is growing.

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