LGBTI equality and human rights in Europe and Central Asia

ILGA-Europe condemns the decision of Serbian authorities to ban Belgrade Pride

ILGA-Europe strongly condemns the decision of the Serbian authorities to ban Belgrade Pride March, which was scheduled to take place on 28 September, for the 3rd year in a row.

Brian Sheehan, member of the Executive Board of ILGA-Europe and who is in Belgrade for the Pride, said:

“This is a completely unacceptable move by the Serbian authorities. The Serbian police force made it clear they are fully capable to provide adequate protection to the Pride March participants. As in previous years, threats by counter protesters have been used by the Serbian authorities to ban the peaceful Pride March. Such blatant manipulation is no longer acceptable; it is a State duty to provide protection to everyone who wants to exercise their constitutional right to peaceful demonstration.

If Serbian authorities are serious about EU integration, they have to stop giving into threats by hooligans and show in practice that Serbia is committed to ensuring fundamental democratic freedoms.”

According to our Rainbow Europe’s Index (May 2013), Serbia came 28th among 49 European countries in terms of laws and policies affecting the human rights of LGBTI people.