Government Authorities to Support “Pride Parade”

17. 8. 2011. Youth Initiative for Human Rights (Initiative) calls for government authorities to express political will and provide all necessary support for the organization of the forthcoming “Pride Parade” in Belgrade.

Politicians’ personal affinities must not be put before the respect for fundamental human rights of their citizens. State authorities should show that the organization of “Pride Parade” is not an obligation towards the European Union, but towards citizens of Serbia.

The Initiative strongly condemns the statement given by Dragan Markovic Palma, who said that homosexuality is a disease, as well as the failure of state authorities to react to such a flagrant hate speech and prejudice shown towards LGBT population.

We believe that every individual has the right to live the way they want, without discrimination and with the right to privacy and equality before the law. No person should be bounded by conservativism, ignorance, or intolerance. This relates to sexuality as well as to differences in race, gender, religion, or nationality.

“Pride Parade” is important for it improves standards of human rights and the position of LGBT community. This is an opportunity to support LGBT community, to mark the progress made during the past several years, and an opportunity for all of us to make a joint effort and devote ourselves to challenges that await us in the future.