Religious protests against films expose divisions in Romania

BUCHAREST, Romania – Religious protesters in Romania have disrupted the screening of two movies in Bucharest, saying they violate traditional values in the Eastern European country.

The recent protests illustrate divided views about homosexuality which remains a difficult topic in the European Union member.

Recent years have seen traditionalists seeking inspiration in Christian orthodoxy, a denomination which claims more than 85 percent of Romanians.

Protesters who called themselves Christian Orthodox burst into a movie theater on Feb. 4 during a showing of French AIDS drama "120 Beats Per Minute." Days later, protesters disrupted another movie featuring homosexuality.

Cristian Parvulescu, dean of the National School of Political Studies and Public Administration, says there's a "conflict between conservatives and liberals in Romania."

The award-winning "120 Beat Per Minute" will be rescreened on Tuesday.