PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — More than 1,000 people in Haiti are participating in a rare demonstration to protest homosexuality.

Eddy Jean-Pierre, who says he's a Protestant, is among demonstrators in the capital of Port-au-Prince. They are urging lawmakers not to pass legislation that would legalize same-sex marriage in the Caribbean nation.

The Friday demonstration organized by several religious groups comes two days after watchdog groups condemned what they say is an increase in threats targeting homosexuals in Haiti.

A group called the Haitian Coalition of Religious and Moral Organizations said three weeks ago that it disagreed with recent laws in other countries supporting gay marriage.

Haiti's small gay and lesbian community has long remained largely underground because of a strong social stigma that sparks fears of physical violence and loss of employment.

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(Photo: David McNew/Getty Images)