The Wicklow Pride group has said it has cancelled a planned Rainbow Disco after receiving "threats" from some residents in Newtownmountkennedy.
The group said in a statement that "malicious accusations" have been made against them including that they were "pedophiles" and "groomers".
Minister for Children and Integration Roderic O'Gorman said what happened in Wicklow was "unacceptable."
In a post on social media, the Minister said Pride was about finding belonging and the creation of safe spaces for everyone.
"It's heartbreaking that a disco had to be cancelled due to a small minority sowing seeds of hate. We cannot let hard fought progress be reversed."
Pride is about finding belonging and creating welcoming, safe spaces for everyone. What's happened in Wicklow over the past few days has been unacceptable. It's heartbreaking that a disco had to be cancelled due to a smal minority sowing seeds of hate. We cannot let hard fought… https://t.co/ae8WY1UZUU
— Roderic O’Gorman TD (@rodericogorman) June 26, 2024
Wicklow Pride said: "These baseless attacks are deeply troubling. Just today, one of our committee members experienced a horrifying invasion of privacy when someone placed a vile note through their letterbox, branding them with the same disgusting accusation."
The group said these actions "underscore" why Pride was needed.
"We stand against hate, bigotry and ignorance."
Wicklow Pride said that the disco event could not go ahead in such "hostile conditions".
It said the "safety and mental well-being" of young people came first.
The group appealed for people to "stand with us to show young members of the LGBTQ+ community that they are accepted and loved for who they are".
