Serbia Cancels EuroPride amid Rightwing Threats, Says President

THE OBSERVER: Aleksandar Vučić admits ‘violation of minority rights’ while citing fears of clashes at LGBTQ+ event in Belgrade

People taking part in the Belgrade Pride march in September last year Photograph: Andrej Isaković/AFP/Getty Images
Serbia will not allow a pan-European LGBTQ+ Pride event to take place in Belgrade next month, the president has said, citing threats from rightwing extremists and fears of clashes.

The Serbian president, Aleksandar Vučić, announced the decision to cancel the EuroPride celebration on 12-18 September during a news conference where he also proposed extending the term of Serbia’s prime minister, who identifies as a lesbian.

Members of the European Pride Organisers Association (EPOA) chose Serbia’s capital three years ago to host the annual event. Vučić said a crisis with neighbouring Kosovo and various economic problems were among the reasons why the Balkan country’s authorities did not think they could handle EuroPride, which features a Pride parade.

“This is a violation of minority rights, but at this moment the state is pressured by numerous problems,” he said. » | Associated Press in Belgrade | Saturday, August 27, 2022

Trouble, Not Gay Times, Expected at the Gay Pride Parade in Jerusalem
THE GUARDIAN: Police in Jerusalem were preparing for violent protests from hardline religious groups today during a planned Gay Pride march through the streets of the city centre.

Police have faced violent skirmishes in ultra-Orthodox neighbourhoods of the city since approving the march a week ago. More than 100 people have been arrested, according to police.

Yesterday, Israel's supreme court gave formal approval for the event, dismissing an appeal by rightwing groups.

Up to 5,000 marchers were expected to take part in this evening's parade, which will travel just 500 metres from the city's King David hotel to a park, where a gathering will be held. They will be guarded by more than 7,000 police.

Jerusalem's Gay Pride march is a relatively low-key affair, even by comparison with its annual equivalent in Tel Aviv, with none of the flamboyance and costumes associated with such events in Europe and the US. Jerusalem braced for gay parade clashes (more) By Peter Walker and agencies

Mark Alexander