Pride Parade cancelled due to high risk of violence

Yesterday, the international community stated that it was pleased with preparations for the march. The Serbian government should be able to protect minority groups. It is a severe blow for freedom and democracy, and, I would have thought, jeopardised Serbia's chances for EU membership.

roberto
frisco

You think homosexualls are free to parade muslim part of Bosnia without any incidents or objections from muslim clergy? Name one muslim country where homosexualls are free to be what they are?

This is not about sexual preference, this about about freedom of expression. The Pride Parade was a test of Serbia's fledgling democracy and one which Serbia has failed miserably.

The democratic government - which came out so strongly in support of this act of freedom of expression - obviously does not have control over the security forces which appear to have botched this so badly. This is a worrying sign, and one, which an earlier poster mentioned will definitely bias the EU on Serbia's membership of the union.

This is a dark day in the history of Serbia.

The Serbian police is not capable of protecting people against criminals?

But is intersting so see Orthodoxian Church, Right-Wings and Fascist so brotherly united, just as in "good old times" when the Serbian war machines slaughtered civilians and afterwards ran away from the Croatian Army. New Serbia = Old Serbia. Europe, just watch this carefully. Belgrad lifted its mask for some time and revealed that "minority protection" is only a expression which doesn't reflect reality.

A sad day for European values in Serbia. The fact that the authorities cannot guaranttee the safety of a constitutional right illustrates just how weak the state is, the inability of the government to protect minorities and the high level of primitivism permitted in religious & political discourse in Serbia. It also demonstrates the propensity for violence espoused by nationalistic groupings and shared by some of the homophobic posters who not by coincidence are against the whole range of modern, European democractic values.

It seems to me that there is no functional Law&Order authorities In Serbia, if they can't hadle a simple peacefull march.
(Kosova-USA, 19 September 2009 12:27)

And in Kosovo I am sure the march would go smoothly without incident, right?

well, not so much pride left, when the provocateurs meet the provoked without tax-funded beaters, isn´t it ...?

by the way, who will pay all the enormous tax-money spent for this ridicoulous parade during an economic crisis which isn´t a virtual problem ?

i have a guess, it won´t be the proud ones, correct ?

I agree with the poster which says "Time for Equality", so from now on, pride parades must be banned from being held and same applies to hetrosexual parades. Serbia is a poor country and money should not be spent policing these events, but spent on catching criminals and helping the poor.

Kosova-USA

Just wondering when Albanians allowed homosexualls to parade the streets of Tirana or Pristina?

this is a really sad and pathetic result. What, the police force cannot protect citizens against a few thugs? because they don't want to.

Anyone born or living in Serbia is a Serbian, not just heterosexual Orthodox males. Obraz has been allowed to win, and to prove once again that this country belongs to a bunch of outdated, globally isolated bullies who want to take this place into the dark ages and keep it there because they've never had the good fortune to see what it's like outside.

A wize and brave decision but one wonder what Soros next move will be since he and the western powers obviously are hell bent on destroying and stream lining serbian (and eastern european) culture and tradition.

The sexuals can parade as much as they like trough their bedrooms, i and an overwhelming majority are not interested in how these people prefer to satisfy themseves sexually.

It is a fundamental of democracy that people be allowed to demonstrate. It doesn't matter whether you agree with them or not.

It is also a fundamental that those who threaten violence should not be allowed to win.

For those of you who find homosexual behaviour distasteful, I would say get real. For a large number in the population it is not distasteful and it is infact normal. The whole point is that religious and other prejudices have caused many who are not attracted to members of their opposite sex to suffer needlessly at the hands of those who are now described as 'homophobic'. That prejudice must not be allowed to hurt people further.

Although religion still has a voice in the world, it should not be overplayed. Realistically, there is not a religious basis for life - we evolved and as much as we not might like the idea homosexuality does have an evolutionarily role. It is fair that parades should be allowed to make that point and show that it has democratic support that needs to be translated into tolerant law making.

The event should be allowed to go ahead as planned and should be properly policed.

I would say however as a reserve that I have - any overt sexual behaviour or arguments should normally be kept away from children (in particular) and that normal standards of decent behaviour require a certain decorum from both the heterosexual and homosexual communities.

Well this is a cop out. I expect Dacic called for this - being afraid that his head would be on the block if violence ensued. And the rest of the government decided to back out just in case.

I am interested to see if somebody from the minorities ministry makes a statement or what G17 and DS political parties have to say. G17 may break ranks to score some points with a percentage of democratic voters.

But the message is clear for democracy. If you want to cancel somebodies protest all you need to do is threaten violence. This means that the shady security guards hired by management of a company that won't pay its workers could threaten violence against workers who strike. Or that the government could cancel protests against itsself saying that violence had been threatened.

For me the wider issue is more about the right to excercise one's democratic rights without being exposed to violence by those who disagree with you.

Clearly we do not have that right in Serbia and as usual it is the political elite which is to blame.

What's the big deal about it!!
They were offered two different places to walk and with a better security, they refused, their problem.
I think it was a stupid decision of theirs to cancel it and nobody else than themselves should be blamed, They missed a chance and acted like a spoiled child!

I encourage everyone to read this article from BBC News: http://alturl.com/3wi2

It will give you a much clearer picture of what is happening in Serbia. I disagree with those who try to ram homosexuality into us as a normal behavior, but I disagree even more with these kind of homophobic views and even threats of violence. Serbia is not alone in this as most other countries in this region have the same views. The difference is that in Serbia this kind of homophobia seems to be more organized and the threat of violence so real the state is forced to capitulate in the face of it.

Despite the fact that ;I personally do not support in any way gays and their sexual preferences, becasue I think is abnormal, but for them to take a peacfull stroll on the streets of Belgrade is withing every human beings right.
It seems to me that there is no functional Law&Order authorities In Serbia, if they can't hadle a simple peacefull march.

Looks like the beasts are running the show in Belgrade now.

First you have the French guy beaten for no reason by a gang of 20 and today Serbia admits that people can't walk safely in the town square.

Very disappointing, Serbia.

I don’t understand some of the posters who are speaking about tradition, race purity, including their own views on homosexuality, especially I cannot understand what all this have to do with late Milosevic and Serbia‘s aspirations to join EU.This kind of discussion would be appropriate if the topic was, let's say "Homosexuality as right or worng". I appreciate everyone’s opinion and completely understand that someone do not support homosexuals and their sexual orientation , I understand and appreciate traditional values myself, but this is not the question of any above mentioned.

This is not a question of tradition any longer neither is a question of our own views on homosexuality but rather government’s inability to address the problem in order to prevent violence and possibly protect
people of being hurt while marching for own rights. Our government in Belgrade capitulated before the threats of violence and that is disturbing.
This only means that I as an individual do not feel safe to express my own opinion on something since my opinion might be cosidered as wrong one by some violent “Obraz” or “1389” or any other organisation’s member. I might get beaten up just because my country do nothing in order to protect me as an individual with the right to think and have own opinion.
No, for me, this is not political question but rather question of safety and funcionality of the legal system in Serbia which can be, of course, solved out trough political means and institutions. This has nothing to do with the EU and I personally could not care less what the EU has to say on this.
Our government was supposed to take decisive steps and enforce as mush as possible police forces
in order to, or at lest give its best, to protect the event and the supporters.
By doing that, our government would have sent clear message to all out there that the violence and threats cannot and must not be tolerated and certainly cannot dictate the country’s policy.

And, just few words on homosexuality while still here. Many of you here expressed negative opinion on homosexuality, which is your right of course, but how many of you over here are parents?
How many of you know what the homosexuality really is?

If not now, one day most of you will be parents. What would any of you do finding out later on that your own child might be homosexual? Would you wish to your own child to be beaten up somewhere on the street just because he/she prefer same sex. Wouldn’t you like all the best for your own child even though your own child has different sexual preferences than yours.
And, before any of you here say “No way, my child cannot be a homosexual” I suggest you to nform your self better on homosexuality and genes related to homosexuality, and you will see that
each of us is (already by birth) prone to acquire one while still developing in mother’s womb.

And, besides, why wouldn’t homosexuals be free to express their love on the street. I mean, we don’t get hurt when kissing our partners on the street coz it is seen as normal and because heterosexuality is something to be considered as normal, right? I don’t see what is the problem if two gays or two lesbians kiss each other on the street. I don’t speak about more open love expression since that kind love expression is distasteful for both, hetero and homos.
But, this march is not only about their inability to openly express their love, but rather solving their status within the society as well. Perhaps, they should be given that right to legalize their marriages and in that way solve some other issues that need to be solved through legal mechanisms.

Perhaps, there is another way to ask for those rights, but let’s be honest and admit how many of us (still living or or while lived in Serbia) faced the problems while dealing with legal issues.
I have faced many times, so many that sometimes I wished to take some really nasty measures in order to make someone addresses my problems. Sometimes, all of us must do something in order to become more visible to the community we belong to or entire society. That is the life. By turning our heads from homosexuals we won’t make them to disappear.

Remember, you will all be parents one day if not now, thus don't make psychological burden to own child by being so intolerant and having such bad attitude towards everything that involves homosexuals.

I am glad this event is, as it seems, officially cancelled. It's amount to troublemaking. By democratic virtue, its pretty obvious the majority of Serbians don't want gay pride parades in their cities. Frankly, I don't see anything wrong with not wanting the parade at all and they shouldn't be denigrated for their lack of all-consuming 'tolerance.' Sweden is not Serbia.

Who needs a "Gay Pride" anyhow? If Gays and Lesbians are so proud, why do they need to show off? There was one in Belfast recently and hardly anyone turned up, except for a few curious or bored kids. I've nothing against gays but there is a perception that they represent a very affluent clique,all have good jobs and lots of money, and are hugely over-represented in the privileged arts and academic fields. As for this "event" being in Serbia, I'm sure Soros and the western media will throw its customary anti-Serbian tantrum...big deal! At the end of the day the sinking ship of that USA puppet, the EU, will continue to seek to bribe/coerce Serbia into joining.

Let them be proud in the EU. In Serbia this is shamg, big shame. It's against orthodox religion.

I do not consider myself homophobic as I treat all humans alike.

However, I am sick and tired of minority groups demanding special privileges and rights over and above the norm.

Surely 'pride' is within oneself and can be expressed equally well at Usce as it can Studenski Trg. Majda Puača is clearly of the opinion that she has the right to 'force' her values, opinions and symbolism upon others. This march is not about 'pride', it's a deliberate selfish political statement.

As a heterosexual male, I feel no urge to march anywhere to celebrate or symbolise my sexuality. Why do homosexuals have the urge to do so and openly flaunt themselves in public? Is it based upon an inferiority complex forced upon them by society, or one from within themselves?

Why do they feel the need to make this a political matter? Are they trying to coerce the politicians into conceding rights and laws advantagous to them? You know, the sort where every company must employ X%, schools and universities must offer special places and privileges? If the UK model is to be followed, being a minority becomes a convenient tool to extract better university grades, quicker promotion and higher salary through blackmail given the oppresive nature of politically correct laws than now pervade the UK.

A message to all minority groups in Serbia and elsewhere: if you want the majority to see you as equal and 'normal', then act like the rest of us do and stop taking actions that mark you out from the rest and clearly demonstrate you desire to be treated differently.

Consider this, if the MUP proclaimed a Fascist march through the centre should be banned upon safety considerations, would we support or condemn the decision? Surely Fascists have equal rights to other minority groups to publically demonstrate their politics?

You are sad and strange, Mr. Swedish ambassador. It amazes me that all these EU talking heads do not understand the mentality and beliefs of the Serbian people - most of us find homosexuality disgusting. So, one step at a time, please. Let's first secure visa liberalization - then the SAA agreement - and maybe then we can start talking about shoving a Gay Pride Parade down Serbian throats.

I have the feeling that I do not have the same article or I can't read.

The event was cancelled by the associations themselves because they didn't want to be re-routed to other two potential places.
Their decision not to accetp it was stupid.
Every year in Zurich and Geneva we have a mega parade and usually 100ds of police men are present to avoid clashes with right wingers.
Geneva is about to be cancelled due to the hight costs to secure this kind of event. (maybe that's why we are not in EU, like some posters are shooting here for serbia...)
Damned there is nothing against the homosexual, but it looks that they like to present themselves as victims. Stop the paranoia

Kosova-USA

YOU WROTE : «It seems to me that there is no functional Law&Order authorities In Serbia, if they can't hadle a simple peacefull march.»

I SAY : Is there any thing that you like in Serbia ? Do you believe that after your comment Serbs will improve something ? Do you think such a “simple peaceful march” would be possible in Kosovo ? How is the traffic in NY ?

Strange and sad does not begin to describe this latest development.

the nationalists here are always assuring us "milosevic is gone, milosevic is dead..." but now we all see, crystal clear, how that era is still very much alive. only now they call the blgd regime "democratic govt."

frankly i am surprised -- i thought the event would go on, w a massive (and unfortunately necessary) police presence, because by now everyone knew that the world was watching, and after all, blgd is not exactly moscow or teheran.

instead the blgd regime caved in to the haters because, as always, there is not the widespread political will to progress in serbia.

but i do want to thank all of the individuals, human rights minister, our Cedi, and all of the other good folk that were ready to show their support for equality. cvala, mnoga. in the states, here, it is no biggie -- there, you have to put your friggin life on the line just to show you believe in equality, human rights, democracy. but then natasa, sonia, and many others have been knowing that for decades, every day, and are all the braver, all the greater for it. we will never forget your contributions. i will never allow others to forget.

personally, i don't give a fig how much each of you are "uncomfortable" with the gays. just get over it -- take some therapy! get a life! meet some gays. get over yr d-mned personal biases, that is YOUR problem, not ours, here, serbia, anywhere. just don't be so frigging smug.

to the (would-be?) marchers: be strong, be persistent, these things, as i have said in another context, are just little bumps in the road. change takes time, a lot of time, and many of us are way too impatient to wait. but you should not have to move to a "civilized" country -- you have a right to be who and what you are in your country, in yr own homeland. keep up the struggle, and we around the world will continue to send our support.

roberto
frisco

If the participants safety cannot be guaranteed, then maybe this is the better outcome. I'd hate to see a repeat of violence, especially that of women, like the last time.

I refer to women because of the numerous youtube clips, and how they were beaten. Under no circumstances should a man lay a hand on a woman, lesbian or not. Eventhough I think homosexuality is a sin, i still believe they should be treated as human beings, and not beat like animals.

You are right, Mrs/Mr Kosovo USA. The Pride Parade should be held in Serbia's Southern province of Kosovo. There are many more police and army down there that can secure protection for these marchers. Besides, the police aren't very busy down there anyway.

And Serbia want to join EU.. Your mentality is so far a way you cannot described!!!!??....What a JOKE

A good and proper decision. This is not bowing down to the thugs, but a sensible precaution to ensure the safety of potential marchers and the wider public.
And by the way - being gay is not normal... if it was the homosexuals would be able to mate and continue the homosapien species. Something they clearly can not!

Ambassador Bringeus. It is a sad and strange thing that as a representative of a Christian European country, that you, and your European collegues, find it a normal thing to impose sexual perversion upon your nation's youth and elders.

I'm certain, that Serbia has no buisness to belong to THAT kind of European "culture".

@fas: Hate and intolerance is no serbian and no eastern european tradition.

Brian, these Gay Parades are a huge revenue drain on cities. Wouldn't it be wiser to spend tax money on people and projects that help the poor and elderly? Let the financial crisis subside, and allow Serbia to move closer to the EU, before you ask Serbs to change their minds on homosexuality.

A little commonsense is needed here. All I read is incoherent politically biased nonsense that ignores the issues.

THE PARADE HAS NOT BEEN BANNED.

The parade has been called off by the organisers because they refused to accept the sensible suggestion that it be held at Usce not at Studentski Trg.

Why is that suggestion sensible? Well, consider how the police are supposed to 'guarantee' safety and public control in the city centre compared to the open ground at Usce. To 'guarantee' order, the police will have to set up a very, VERY prohibitive cordon preventing anybody not parading into the centre. Even then, the nature of the topography of the urban area means elements will get through and cause trouble. At Usce, the ability to keep two opposing factions apart, and to aid a controlled and peaceful gathering is infinitely more achievable.

The parade organisers are not interested in this. Nor are the interested in the rights of other Belgraders to have unhindered access to the centre, nor the business owners or home owners in the centre that are inevitably going to find large amounts of criminal damage inflicted upon them.

They selfishly wish to make a political statement. By refusing to hold the parade at Usce and deliberately demanding to hold it in the centre, this is no longer a parade about sexuality - IT'S A SELFISH POLITICAL STATEMENT BY A MINORITY THAT ARE DELUDED INTHINKING THEY DESERVE SPECIAL RIGHTS.

This is a huge step backwards for Serbia.
I don't care whether people agree with gays or gay parades or not. They don't have to agree with them but they have to allow them freedom or speech, movement and expression. This is the basis of democracy and if we lose this we might as well go back to communism.

When are Serbs going to get it? You don't have to agree with your neighbour but you have to allow them the freedom to feel and think the way they do as long as they don't infringe on your rights to the same.
We have the gay Mardi Gras in Sydney and it is a spectacular event. Who is it hurting? Nobody. If you don't want to participate or watch, you don't have to. Nobody is trying to shove it down anyone's throat but for us to ban it is denying our fellow citizens their right of expression.

Serbia has so many serious issues to deal with. Why are people so hung up on something which hurst nobody?

Churches and other places of worship are united in their rejection of homosexuality. That's ok. I don't expect them to accept it. I would be suprised if they did but people must not use what the church says as a weapon to become violent.

Bgannon, you said it well.

A victory for Tradition over Modernity's most hideous manifestation! Bravo to Serbia for taking a step in the Right direction! These pardes always start out as 'peaceful strolls' but in a few years feature nudity, s&m apparal & simulated sex. The gays always push the envelope & loosen social morals.

Kedves Gyuri bácsi.Szopás van.(Dear uncle George(Soros),not evyrything is working your way).You should have studied history.Serbia is a hard rock.Many got a lesson from them including Habsburgs,Hitler and Islamoimerialists.Your pink revolution where gay exihibitionists as well as some narcoterrorists play a major role lost an important battle today.A good lesson which shows that money is not everything .You may buy some janichars but not normal peoples' heart.The destructive open sociaty project is loosing momentum.Parties supported by you are less and less popular all over central and eastern europe.Time to deal with seriuos business again.

"A small loss to freedom, a big win for radical."

This is a good day for Serbia, gays have their own bars and cafes so why do they need a parade which costs taxpayers money. Why should they have the right to adopt children simply because they biologically cannot have them, I financially cannot afford a ferrari so should I organise a parade with others in the same position demanding rights to own a ferrari from the goverment. Its nothing to do with democracy, people are poor and have major worries on their mind to worry about this waste of police resources from a minority grouping that are being exploited by NGO's and western politicians just to add further pressure onto serbia. Everyone talks about free speech and free expression in the west but if you say anything against gays you are labelled homophobic and if you say anything about the flood of immigrants claiming social welfare and jump in queues to welfare accomodation against those who have paid taxes all their working life you are classed as racist. Political correctness is breeding resentment in the western majority because the minority have more rights. If no believes that, then visit England and see for yourself. I am from England and I see it on a daily basis, and that is why the right wing is on the increase in Europe. Ban the march!

@Brian. You must be non-European to write what you wrote. A gay-parade or cancellation has really nothing to do with membership of the EU. There are a few more important things then a gay parade. So please go and ask your mother if you were right to write your comment. @all others, it shows that most of you think that the cancelation is not a huge thing. As you are all against homosexuality. The question is however not that one. The question is can a government and police force bow to criminals? It seems clear that Belgrade bowed for treats and that ladies and gentlemen shows Serbia is far from being a democracy. Far away. Killing French (at least almost) football fans, heavily wounding police officers is normal for your macho culture but reality is that Serb men alone are weak and sad figures, unlike many real man in Europe.
What a shameful event.

Thank God this abomination of an event was cancelled. It was enough that Serbia was forced to sign an anti-discrimination law, i.e. a law that is pro-gay, in order to kiss EU arse. As an American citizen and Orthodox Christian of Bosnian Serb ancestry I whole-heartedly condemn homosexuality and all like practices of sexual and moral immorality and depravity. Countries like America that embrace and tolerate these perversions as normal and equal are subject to what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah in the Bible.

Look to God, Serbia...not the EU.

A victory for common sense and decency. These so called 'pride parades' are an excuse for public lewdness and general anti-social behaviour. If left unmonitored they turn into this - http://www.zombietime.com/up_your_alley_2008/part_1_full/

I'm sure no one (with their brains intact) would want that in Serbia or anywhere else for that matter.

This is something that makes me proud of Serbia. A country that stands for christianity morality and god values. The satanic €U & George Soros have in deed lost this one, Serbs dont like his promotion of drugs and sexual perversions in public. God bless Serbia!

"The Serbian police is not capable of protecting people against criminals?"
Xin

They were in Kosovo where they protected close to 400.000 Serbs from hostile alabanians.

"by the way, who will pay all the enormous tax-money spent for this ridicoulous parade during an economic crisis which isn´t a virtual problem ?

i have a guess, it won´t be the proud ones, correct ?"

What LGBT don't have jobs or pay taxes like everyone else in Serbia? (and I'm sure there's plenty of tax-evasion from everyone of any sexuality, too)

Think before you speak, mate.

Why do people still blame Soros. When is the last time he did anything in Serbia? Are you not paying attention? He moved on long ago. Why don't you?

And while you're answering questions, why is it not a sin to beat someone?

To: (Peggy, 20 September 2009

'We have the gay Mardi Gras in Sydney and it is a spectacular event. Who is it hurting? Nobody. '

- Nobody?! Where's the fun then?

'Nobody is trying to shove it down anyone's throat..'

- I strongly disagree.
(BH_NYC, 20 September 2009 14:15)

Do you think it's only fun when someone is getting hurt?
Well you are welcome to come to Sydney and watch and then tell me that someone is forced to participate or watch it. Anyone associated with it is there because they want to be there so again I say, NOBODY IS SHOWING IT DOWN ANYONE'S THROAT.

Did you only post that rubbish to try to make me seem silly? I think it just backfiered.

Thank you Mr.Dacic,it was the right decision!
After this horrible 20 century which saw so much suffering and bloodshed of the Serbian people we must commit ourselves to rebuild it both morally and economically.
That means that those old values that define a nation(patriotism,family,faith,
purity of race)must be protected against the cultural filth (homosexualism,new "arts",globalizm,interracial marriages) that is designed to destroy the foundations upon which a nation exists and that is promoted, surprise,surprise by the liberal Jewish elite in the USA.
What would the average citizen say if we would allow pedophiles,serial murderers etc. to hold their parades?
The fact that they announced to burn a Serbian flag makes it clear that this happening was just announced tp provoke 99% of the normal citizens.

Lets take over the good things that come from the west like labour moral,competitivness,economical individualism,functioning institutions and low corruption and lets shrug off the bad things that come from there like homosexualism,drugs,incest,pedophilism,serial killings etc.
Like the Chinese are doing.

EU is trying to open the doors to Serbia, but to no sucsess. Serbia if far away from democracy and the place where human rights are respected.

EU is trying to open the doors to Serbia, but to no sucsess. Serbia if far away from democracy and the place where human rights are respected.
(Olf, 19 September 2009 16:42)
Yes the doors are opening and are being held open by homosexuals,atheists,communists and the like.No thanks! What a stupid arguement that Serbia is not democratic because it doesnt promote homosexuality.The EU and west bombed a sovereign nation for trying to protect its borders.The bombing was against international law but was democratic I guess.The majority of the EU countries didnt even bother to have referendums to repsect the will of the people.So like true fascists forced it upon the people "for hteir own good" how democratic.God bless Serbia for upholding Gods word.

Completely agree with Frans and bganon - and as almost usual - completely disagree with Roberto.

Even if their message seem to be almost the same.

Prise the lord.I have never been prouder of Serbia.

Xin-so much hate for Orthodoxy is not good for your health. As I know, truout history, Orthodox religion never forced anybody to leave their religion and become Orthodox. They never bothered anybody, but because other religions(catholic and muslom) always tryed to force Orthodox people to their religion or be killed, Orthodox countries were always forced into war in order to protect themselves, their homes and religion.

As far as gay pride, one can not be blame for being born the way they are. Why would anybody want to be somthing that so many despise if they could help it. Absolutely, they should be respected as minority even thow I am not fan of parade. Serbia is going troug lot of difficulties, after all, west distroyed their county(another example of trying to distroy Orthodoxy) but Srbia is stil standing and will develop just fine, to your disappoitment, I am sure. Choke on your hatefulness.

As our friend Kosova/USA poinetd out that there is no Law and Order in Serbia I think the organisers should consider holding the parade in Pristina or indeed Tirana, being the cradle of democracy and free-speech.

Way to go moral Serbs and Serbia for standing up for morality. Even the politicians feel better even tho they gave the excuse of safety for canceling. They didn't want the backlash of the majority of citizens who don't want the perverse ungodly spectacle in their country. You will get a backlash from the perverse world but remember with God you are the majority and in the right!

And as far as Soros, colored revolutions and other things - this is really a bit paranoia. I don't think that if there is a peaceful "rainbow" demonstration on Knez Mihajlova, that would automatically mean, Serbia's next president will be Misha Saakashvili.

As for Soros himself - besides some gigantic mistakes he deserves to be criticized he is also known to spend a fortune during 2004 election year to remove Bush & co. Give the credit where credit is due. But Saak and Yuschenko were gigantic mistakes.
(Ataman, 19 September 2009 21:03)
you either cant read or are a soros croney.Maybe you should do some research on "otpor" maybe research what soros'sopen society promotes,maybe see which news organizations he supports(Birn,IST).This person is a huge player in the world he spends millions to promote abortion,homosexuality,atheism to mention just some of the sordid agenda he promotes .GOD bless Serbia.

Yesterday, the international community stated that it was pleased with preparations for the march. The Serbian government should be able to protect minority groups. It is a severe blow for freedom and democracy, and, I would have thought, jeopardised Serbia's chances for EU membership.
(Brian Day, 19 September 2009 13:22)
where were all these bleeding hearts tauting democracy when we were cleansed from Kosmet,when we weremurdered in Kosmet,When our land of Kosmet was stolen.
For me it is a win win situation ,we stopped the gay day and it hopefuuly hinders our chances for the eu.God bless SERbia, our holy orthodox church and all those that put a stop to this perversion.

If you check the information, the power structures that are in favor of LGBT-bashing are the same that promote the incorporation of Bosnia’s RS territory into Serbia and the non-recognition of the Kosovar independence.

And the people from these structures are still deeply infiltrated in the police, the academia, the army, the state-run media, the church, and mainly in the politics.

Shame on you, Serbia. Shame on you.

I must congratulate the selfishness of 2 small minority groups for making the centre of Belgrade a no-go area today and placing the media spotlight on Serbia for all the wrong reasons.

I hope you are PROUD of yourselves!

Nevertheless, it was very amusing reading the utter nonsense by Kosovo-USA.

I have the feeling that I do not have the same article or I can't read.

The event was cancelled by the associations themselves because they didn't want to be re-routed to other two potential places.
(The Swiss, 19 September 2009 19:38)

Ah, thanks - that looks a bit different than. However, I have no objection if a TASTEFUL demo would be hold anywhere. People going under rainbow flag holding hands and transparents should be in line with the taste in a major city in 21st century.

-------

Their decision not to accetp it was stupid.
(The Swiss, 19 September 2009 19:38)

Gay/lesbian Serbs are still Serbs and their "inat" is still Serbian "inat". Nothing political there, just Serbian, as usual. Inat is inat. As stupid as it could be, this is why we respect Serbs, be them gay or straight.

Kedves Gyuri bácsi.Szopás van.(Dear uncle George(Soros),not evyrything is working your way).You should have studied history.Serbia is a hard rock.
(szemi, 19 September 2009 19:56)

Szemi, the level of ignorance regarding gays in the States is of astonishing level, so is the violence. To a very large degree I support their rights and they have all reasons to protest and demand a better treatment. At the same time the general public needs to be better educated - they (gays) do not represent any danger to the public.

The problem is, that the FORM of the parades does spoil the said message. I recall, Roberto being so proud that him and they (i.e. Bay Area Jewish organization) did stroll on the streets of SF surrounded by gyrating half-naked people and it was fun.

What a pathetic picture!

1) Wrong message about the gays. They are like normal people and gyrating half-naked on the street is not the way of their life. I know a very nice, gentle man in Moscow who is gay and he helped us many times. WTF is that insanity?

2) Wrong message about the Jews, too. Very disturbing.

In general, it (in SF) seem to be rather a "panem et circensis" event than really a political message. But that's the life, this is what American public likes to see.

Now for Belgrade or Budapest: we don't need SUCH "panem et circensis" events, they are tasteless, regardless, is it gay or straight or Buddhist or what-not. As for demonstration for gay rights: YES, WE NEED IT.

But we need it OUR way, not the way it is done in the States. Because America is not the country known for superb taste (mildly speaking).

The last, what we need (sorry, Roberto!) is a lecture like yours.

The reasons:

- At least half of the "not-so-supporters" of that event had objections to the taste and execution of the event, not to event itself. No need to slam everyone!

- Most of your Albanian and Croatian and some other mates clearly opposed the entire event, showing even less tolerance, than your Serbian "opponents". This is the way the life is, while Belgrade is not San Francisco - neither is Pristina or Zagreb.

But you - again - slammed Belgrade ONLY. Not the best tactics, IMO.

And as far as Soros, colored revolutions and other things - this is really a bit paranoia. I don't think that if there is a peaceful "rainbow" demonstration on Knez Mihajlova, that would automatically mean, Serbia's next president will be Misha Saakashvili.

As for Soros himself - besides some gigantic mistakes he deserves to be criticized he is also known to spend a fortune during 2004 election year to remove Bush & co. Give the credit where credit is due. But Saak and Yuschenko were gigantic mistakes.

First Amendment to the United States Constitution:


Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Frans, a Serb man is strong, tall and though guy(especially Serbs from Montenegro-tallest people in Europe)! He only accepts fight one-on-one style. He never beats those thath cant defend themselves, it is not in our tradition! Oh, your hurted french pride! I just hope so thath those hooligans who learned to behave in such manners from french and other western hooligans will face justice! Police will do their job, no mercy to hooligans!

Kosova-USA

Just wondering when Albanians allowed homosexualls to parade the streets of Tirana or Pristina?
(MikeC, 19 September 2009 17:16)

Albanians are bussy making babies and have no time to think about homosexuallity.

Obviously Serbia isn't able to cope with human rights standards and minority rights. That means: Serbia does not share European key values on the ground - and thus Europe should stopp the Schengen visa issue at once.

As the whole world can see, even the most basic democratic homework of Serbian authorities and citizens was not done yet. It remained a pro-forma democracy.

Kosova-USA

Just wondering when Albanians allowed homosexualls to parade the streets of Tirana or Pristina?
(MikeC, 19 September 2009 17:16)

There is no gays in Kosova as far as I know. Couples are very bussy making babies so that we can overun our neighbors in short while.

By the way, traffic in NYC is just fine and if you go down to village there is planty gays and lesbians, but I hardly go there unless my work takes me there once in the blue moon.

This discussion is truly one between the enlightened and those lacking vision. It could have been predicted that those of a conservative and provincial mentality would fall in line with the believers of myths told to them on their grandmother's knee whereas those of a progressive and liberal mentality would see that defending basic human rights is far more important than supporting the wishes of the "majority".

Probably most of you never see a gay parade ,,,,Any idea how much business they bring to that town whenever they celebrate most of YOU do not have clue I'm talking millions in a day not a for year PRobably you can ask a ANOTHER SERB CANADIAN!!?? or some other Serbians who live abroad where this party's acquire and you can here in news how much they bring business to that city and I'm talking Business here not because I liked or not, Money Talks my friends not hate..

OTOH, every one should be treated equal, OTOH, imposing a gay parade to gain political points to give and 'european image' is far more dishonest than those groups who totally opposed the parade and have no fear in saying so.

It is the government's fault.

Serbia has to find its own way and imposing a foreign model in an unrealistically short period of time defies belief.

In the West it has taken decades for some countries to reach the point of holding violence free parades, and that west when they didn't have foreign 'representative's coming over on a new crusade (I'm talking about you Peter Tatchell and your PR stunts in the East) to 'help'.

There is no magic formula. Each country finds its own way and it takes time. There is no easy and simple solution.

In the Balkans people do know that gay people exist but they never used to talk or mention it, gay people were invisible, but people knew by the use of certain key words who was. This is what it was like in the West within living memory.

A final point I'd like to make, there are many, many gay couples out there (in the West too) who do not manifest in explicit and public forms their sexuality or even like the gay parades. It is just not their thing. This is not because they are afraid or somehow intimidated. It is just a stereotype to see gay people as all the same. Unfortunately gay parades only reinforce this myth.

This is not about 'Europe' or democracy.

Tadic and co. have hung themselves with their own rope in the hope of winning easy brownie points in the EU.

It also shows the shallowness of their political calculation. This neither a) fully unlocks the SAA, b) further Serbia's other interests in any measurable or demonstrateable manner.

I can't think of anything that would be more insulting to gay community than being used as a political tool.

Shame on the government!

To: (Peggy, 20 September 2009

'We have the gay Mardi Gras in Sydney and it is a spectacular event. Who is it hurting? Nobody. '

- Nobody?! Where's the fun then?

'Nobody is trying to shove it down anyone's throat..'

- I strongly disagree.

Despite the fact that ;I personally do not support in any way gays and their sexual preferences, becasue I think is abnormal, but for them to take a peacfull stroll on the streets of Belgrade is withing every human beings right.
It seems to me that there is no functional Law&Order authorities In Serbia, if they can't hadle a simple peacefull march.

A wize and brave decision but one wonder what Soros next move will be since he and the western powers obviously are hell bent on destroying and stream lining serbian (and eastern european) culture and tradition.

The sexuals can parade as much as they like trough their bedrooms, i and an overwhelming majority are not interested in how these people prefer to satisfy themseves sexually.

well, not so much pride left, when the provocateurs meet the provoked without tax-funded beaters, isn´t it ...?

by the way, who will pay all the enormous tax-money spent for this ridicoulous parade during an economic crisis which isn´t a virtual problem ?

i have a guess, it won´t be the proud ones, correct ?

I agree with the poster which says "Time for Equality", so from now on, pride parades must be banned from being held and same applies to hetrosexual parades. Serbia is a poor country and money should not be spent policing these events, but spent on catching criminals and helping the poor.

Strange and sad does not begin to describe this latest development.

the nationalists here are always assuring us "milosevic is gone, milosevic is dead..." but now we all see, crystal clear, how that era is still very much alive. only now they call the blgd regime "democratic govt."

frankly i am surprised -- i thought the event would go on, w a massive (and unfortunately necessary) police presence, because by now everyone knew that the world was watching, and after all, blgd is not exactly moscow or teheran.

instead the blgd regime caved in to the haters because, as always, there is not the widespread political will to progress in serbia.

but i do want to thank all of the individuals, human rights minister, our Cedi, and all of the other good folk that were ready to show their support for equality. cvala, mnoga. in the states, here, it is no biggie -- there, you have to put your friggin life on the line just to show you believe in equality, human rights, democracy. but then natasa, sonia, and many others have been knowing that for decades, every day, and are all the braver, all the greater for it. we will never forget your contributions. i will never allow others to forget.

personally, i don't give a fig how much each of you are "uncomfortable" with the gays. just get over it -- take some therapy! get a life! meet some gays. get over yr d-mned personal biases, that is YOUR problem, not ours, here, serbia, anywhere. just don't be so frigging smug.

to the (would-be?) marchers: be strong, be persistent, these things, as i have said in another context, are just little bumps in the road. change takes time, a lot of time, and many of us are way too impatient to wait. but you should not have to move to a "civilized" country -- you have a right to be who and what you are in your country, in yr own homeland. keep up the struggle, and we around the world will continue to send our support.

roberto
frisco

The Serbian police is not capable of protecting people against criminals?

But is intersting so see Orthodoxian Church, Right-Wings and Fascist so brotherly united, just as in "good old times" when the Serbian war machines slaughtered civilians and afterwards ran away from the Croatian Army. New Serbia = Old Serbia. Europe, just watch this carefully. Belgrad lifted its mask for some time and revealed that "minority protection" is only a expression which doesn't reflect reality.

@Brian. You must be non-European to write what you wrote. A gay-parade or cancellation has really nothing to do with membership of the EU. There are a few more important things then a gay parade. So please go and ask your mother if you were right to write your comment. @all others, it shows that most of you think that the cancelation is not a huge thing. As you are all against homosexuality. The question is however not that one. The question is can a government and police force bow to criminals? It seems clear that Belgrade bowed for treats and that ladies and gentlemen shows Serbia is far from being a democracy. Far away. Killing French (at least almost) football fans, heavily wounding police officers is normal for your macho culture but reality is that Serb men alone are weak and sad figures, unlike many real man in Europe.
What a shameful event.

Thank you Mr.Dacic,it was the right decision!
After this horrible 20 century which saw so much suffering and bloodshed of the Serbian people we must commit ourselves to rebuild it both morally and economically.
That means that those old values that define a nation(patriotism,family,faith,
purity of race)must be protected against the cultural filth (homosexualism,new "arts",globalizm,interracial marriages) that is designed to destroy the foundations upon which a nation exists and that is promoted, surprise,surprise by the liberal Jewish elite in the USA.
What would the average citizen say if we would allow pedophiles,serial murderers etc. to hold their parades?
The fact that they announced to burn a Serbian flag makes it clear that this happening was just announced tp provoke 99% of the normal citizens.

Lets take over the good things that come from the west like labour moral,competitivness,economical individualism,functioning institutions and low corruption and lets shrug off the bad things that come from there like homosexualism,drugs,incest,pedophilism,serial killings etc.
Like the Chinese are doing.

You are sad and strange, Mr. Swedish ambassador. It amazes me that all these EU talking heads do not understand the mentality and beliefs of the Serbian people - most of us find homosexuality disgusting. So, one step at a time, please. Let's first secure visa liberalization - then the SAA agreement - and maybe then we can start talking about shoving a Gay Pride Parade down Serbian throats.

Yesterday, the international community stated that it was pleased with preparations for the march. The Serbian government should be able to protect minority groups. It is a severe blow for freedom and democracy, and, I would have thought, jeopardised Serbia's chances for EU membership.

EU is trying to open the doors to Serbia, but to no sucsess. Serbia if far away from democracy and the place where human rights are respected.

Kedves Gyuri bácsi.Szopás van.(Dear uncle George(Soros),not evyrything is working your way).You should have studied history.Serbia is a hard rock.Many got a lesson from them including Habsburgs,Hitler and Islamoimerialists.Your pink revolution where gay exihibitionists as well as some narcoterrorists play a major role lost an important battle today.A good lesson which shows that money is not everything .You may buy some janichars but not normal peoples' heart.The destructive open sociaty project is loosing momentum.Parties supported by you are less and less popular all over central and eastern europe.Time to deal with seriuos business again.

A victory for Tradition over Modernity's most hideous manifestation! Bravo to Serbia for taking a step in the Right direction! These pardes always start out as 'peaceful strolls' but in a few years feature nudity, s&m apparal & simulated sex. The gays always push the envelope & loosen social morals.

I am glad this event is, as it seems, officially cancelled. It's amount to troublemaking. By democratic virtue, its pretty obvious the majority of Serbians don't want gay pride parades in their cities. Frankly, I don't see anything wrong with not wanting the parade at all and they shouldn't be denigrated for their lack of all-consuming 'tolerance.' Sweden is not Serbia.

A good and proper decision. This is not bowing down to the thugs, but a sensible precaution to ensure the safety of potential marchers and the wider public.
And by the way - being gay is not normal... if it was the homosexuals would be able to mate and continue the homosapien species. Something they clearly can not!

Let them be proud in the EU. In Serbia this is shamg, big shame. It's against orthodox religion.

Looks like the beasts are running the show in Belgrade now.

First you have the French guy beaten for no reason by a gang of 20 and today Serbia admits that people can't walk safely in the town square.

Very disappointing, Serbia.

And Serbia want to join EU.. Your mentality is so far a way you cannot described!!!!??....What a JOKE

This is not about sexual preference, this about about freedom of expression. The Pride Parade was a test of Serbia's fledgling democracy and one which Serbia has failed miserably.

The democratic government - which came out so strongly in support of this act of freedom of expression - obviously does not have control over the security forces which appear to have botched this so badly. This is a worrying sign, and one, which an earlier poster mentioned will definitely bias the EU on Serbia's membership of the union.

This is a dark day in the history of Serbia.

Kosova-USA

Just wondering when Albanians allowed homosexualls to parade the streets of Tirana or Pristina?
(MikeC, 19 September 2009 17:16)

Albanians are bussy making babies and have no time to think about homosexuallity.

A sad day for European values in Serbia. The fact that the authorities cannot guaranttee the safety of a constitutional right illustrates just how weak the state is, the inability of the government to protect minorities and the high level of primitivism permitted in religious & political discourse in Serbia. It also demonstrates the propensity for violence espoused by nationalistic groupings and shared by some of the homophobic posters who not by coincidence are against the whole range of modern, European democractic values.

Who needs a "Gay Pride" anyhow? If Gays and Lesbians are so proud, why do they need to show off? There was one in Belfast recently and hardly anyone turned up, except for a few curious or bored kids. I've nothing against gays but there is a perception that they represent a very affluent clique,all have good jobs and lots of money, and are hugely over-represented in the privileged arts and academic fields. As for this "event" being in Serbia, I'm sure Soros and the western media will throw its customary anti-Serbian tantrum...big deal! At the end of the day the sinking ship of that USA puppet, the EU, will continue to seek to bribe/coerce Serbia into joining.

What's the big deal about it!!
They were offered two different places to walk and with a better security, they refused, their problem.
I think it was a stupid decision of theirs to cancel it and nobody else than themselves should be blamed, They missed a chance and acted like a spoiled child!

this is a really sad and pathetic result. What, the police force cannot protect citizens against a few thugs? because they don't want to.

Anyone born or living in Serbia is a Serbian, not just heterosexual Orthodox males. Obraz has been allowed to win, and to prove once again that this country belongs to a bunch of outdated, globally isolated bullies who want to take this place into the dark ages and keep it there because they've never had the good fortune to see what it's like outside.

A little commonsense is needed here. All I read is incoherent politically biased nonsense that ignores the issues.

THE PARADE HAS NOT BEEN BANNED.

The parade has been called off by the organisers because they refused to accept the sensible suggestion that it be held at Usce not at Studentski Trg.

Why is that suggestion sensible? Well, consider how the police are supposed to 'guarantee' safety and public control in the city centre compared to the open ground at Usce. To 'guarantee' order, the police will have to set up a very, VERY prohibitive cordon preventing anybody not parading into the centre. Even then, the nature of the topography of the urban area means elements will get through and cause trouble. At Usce, the ability to keep two opposing factions apart, and to aid a controlled and peaceful gathering is infinitely more achievable.

The parade organisers are not interested in this. Nor are the interested in the rights of other Belgraders to have unhindered access to the centre, nor the business owners or home owners in the centre that are inevitably going to find large amounts of criminal damage inflicted upon them.

They selfishly wish to make a political statement. By refusing to hold the parade at Usce and deliberately demanding to hold it in the centre, this is no longer a parade about sexuality - IT'S A SELFISH POLITICAL STATEMENT BY A MINORITY THAT ARE DELUDED INTHINKING THEY DESERVE SPECIAL RIGHTS.

Thank God this abomination of an event was cancelled. It was enough that Serbia was forced to sign an anti-discrimination law, i.e. a law that is pro-gay, in order to kiss EU arse. As an American citizen and Orthodox Christian of Bosnian Serb ancestry I whole-heartedly condemn homosexuality and all like practices of sexual and moral immorality and depravity. Countries like America that embrace and tolerate these perversions as normal and equal are subject to what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah in the Bible.

Look to God, Serbia...not the EU.

If you check the information, the power structures that are in favor of LGBT-bashing are the same that promote the incorporation of Bosnia’s RS territory into Serbia and the non-recognition of the Kosovar independence.

And the people from these structures are still deeply infiltrated in the police, the academia, the army, the state-run media, the church, and mainly in the politics.

Shame on you, Serbia. Shame on you.

"A small loss to freedom, a big win for radical."

I do not consider myself homophobic as I treat all humans alike.

However, I am sick and tired of minority groups demanding special privileges and rights over and above the norm.

Surely 'pride' is within oneself and can be expressed equally well at Usce as it can Studenski Trg. Majda Puača is clearly of the opinion that she has the right to 'force' her values, opinions and symbolism upon others. This march is not about 'pride', it's a deliberate selfish political statement.

As a heterosexual male, I feel no urge to march anywhere to celebrate or symbolise my sexuality. Why do homosexuals have the urge to do so and openly flaunt themselves in public? Is it based upon an inferiority complex forced upon them by society, or one from within themselves?

Why do they feel the need to make this a political matter? Are they trying to coerce the politicians into conceding rights and laws advantagous to them? You know, the sort where every company must employ X%, schools and universities must offer special places and privileges? If the UK model is to be followed, being a minority becomes a convenient tool to extract better university grades, quicker promotion and higher salary through blackmail given the oppresive nature of politically correct laws than now pervade the UK.

A message to all minority groups in Serbia and elsewhere: if you want the majority to see you as equal and 'normal', then act like the rest of us do and stop taking actions that mark you out from the rest and clearly demonstrate you desire to be treated differently.

Consider this, if the MUP proclaimed a Fascist march through the centre should be banned upon safety considerations, would we support or condemn the decision? Surely Fascists have equal rights to other minority groups to publically demonstrate their politics?

Well this is a cop out. I expect Dacic called for this - being afraid that his head would be on the block if violence ensued. And the rest of the government decided to back out just in case.

I am interested to see if somebody from the minorities ministry makes a statement or what G17 and DS political parties have to say. G17 may break ranks to score some points with a percentage of democratic voters.

But the message is clear for democracy. If you want to cancel somebodies protest all you need to do is threaten violence. This means that the shady security guards hired by management of a company that won't pay its workers could threaten violence against workers who strike. Or that the government could cancel protests against itsself saying that violence had been threatened.

For me the wider issue is more about the right to excercise one's democratic rights without being exposed to violence by those who disagree with you.

Clearly we do not have that right in Serbia and as usual it is the political elite which is to blame.

Prise the lord.I have never been prouder of Serbia.

Way to go moral Serbs and Serbia for standing up for morality. Even the politicians feel better even tho they gave the excuse of safety for canceling. They didn't want the backlash of the majority of citizens who don't want the perverse ungodly spectacle in their country. You will get a backlash from the perverse world but remember with God you are the majority and in the right!

This is something that makes me proud of Serbia. A country that stands for christianity morality and god values. The satanic €U & George Soros have in deed lost this one, Serbs dont like his promotion of drugs and sexual perversions in public. God bless Serbia!

Brian, these Gay Parades are a huge revenue drain on cities. Wouldn't it be wiser to spend tax money on people and projects that help the poor and elderly? Let the financial crisis subside, and allow Serbia to move closer to the EU, before you ask Serbs to change their minds on homosexuality.

I have the feeling that I do not have the same article or I can't read.

The event was cancelled by the associations themselves because they didn't want to be re-routed to other two potential places.
Their decision not to accetp it was stupid.
Every year in Zurich and Geneva we have a mega parade and usually 100ds of police men are present to avoid clashes with right wingers.
Geneva is about to be cancelled due to the hight costs to secure this kind of event. (maybe that's why we are not in EU, like some posters are shooting here for serbia...)
Damned there is nothing against the homosexual, but it looks that they like to present themselves as victims. Stop the paranoia

@fas: Hate and intolerance is no serbian and no eastern european tradition.

You are right, Mrs/Mr Kosovo USA. The Pride Parade should be held in Serbia's Southern province of Kosovo. There are many more police and army down there that can secure protection for these marchers. Besides, the police aren't very busy down there anyway.

Yesterday, the international community stated that it was pleased with preparations for the march. The Serbian government should be able to protect minority groups. It is a severe blow for freedom and democracy, and, I would have thought, jeopardised Serbia's chances for EU membership.
(Brian Day, 19 September 2009 13:22)
where were all these bleeding hearts tauting democracy when we were cleansed from Kosmet,when we weremurdered in Kosmet,When our land of Kosmet was stolen.
For me it is a win win situation ,we stopped the gay day and it hopefuuly hinders our chances for the eu.God bless SERbia, our holy orthodox church and all those that put a stop to this perversion.

This is a good day for Serbia, gays have their own bars and cafes so why do they need a parade which costs taxpayers money. Why should they have the right to adopt children simply because they biologically cannot have them, I financially cannot afford a ferrari so should I organise a parade with others in the same position demanding rights to own a ferrari from the goverment. Its nothing to do with democracy, people are poor and have major worries on their mind to worry about this waste of police resources from a minority grouping that are being exploited by NGO's and western politicians just to add further pressure onto serbia. Everyone talks about free speech and free expression in the west but if you say anything against gays you are labelled homophobic and if you say anything about the flood of immigrants claiming social welfare and jump in queues to welfare accomodation against those who have paid taxes all their working life you are classed as racist. Political correctness is breeding resentment in the western majority because the minority have more rights. If no believes that, then visit England and see for yourself. I am from England and I see it on a daily basis, and that is why the right wing is on the increase in Europe. Ban the march!

Obviously Serbia isn't able to cope with human rights standards and minority rights. That means: Serbia does not share European key values on the ground - and thus Europe should stopp the Schengen visa issue at once.

As the whole world can see, even the most basic democratic homework of Serbian authorities and citizens was not done yet. It remained a pro-forma democracy.

Kosova-USA

Just wondering when Albanians allowed homosexualls to parade the streets of Tirana or Pristina?

Completely agree with Frans and bganon - and as almost usual - completely disagree with Roberto.

Even if their message seem to be almost the same.

Kosova-USA

Just wondering when Albanians allowed homosexualls to parade the streets of Tirana or Pristina?
(MikeC, 19 September 2009 17:16)

There is no gays in Kosova as far as I know. Couples are very bussy making babies so that we can overun our neighbors in short while.

By the way, traffic in NYC is just fine and if you go down to village there is planty gays and lesbians, but I hardly go there unless my work takes me there once in the blue moon.

Ambassador Bringeus. It is a sad and strange thing that as a representative of a Christian European country, that you, and your European collegues, find it a normal thing to impose sexual perversion upon your nation's youth and elders.

I'm certain, that Serbia has no buisness to belong to THAT kind of European "culture".

If the participants safety cannot be guaranteed, then maybe this is the better outcome. I'd hate to see a repeat of violence, especially that of women, like the last time.

I refer to women because of the numerous youtube clips, and how they were beaten. Under no circumstances should a man lay a hand on a woman, lesbian or not. Eventhough I think homosexuality is a sin, i still believe they should be treated as human beings, and not beat like animals.

I encourage everyone to read this article from BBC News: http://alturl.com/3wi2

It will give you a much clearer picture of what is happening in Serbia. I disagree with those who try to ram homosexuality into us as a normal behavior, but I disagree even more with these kind of homophobic views and even threats of violence. Serbia is not alone in this as most other countries in this region have the same views. The difference is that in Serbia this kind of homophobia seems to be more organized and the threat of violence so real the state is forced to capitulate in the face of it.

OTOH, every one should be treated equal, OTOH, imposing a gay parade to gain political points to give and 'european image' is far more dishonest than those groups who totally opposed the parade and have no fear in saying so.

It is the government's fault.

Serbia has to find its own way and imposing a foreign model in an unrealistically short period of time defies belief.

In the West it has taken decades for some countries to reach the point of holding violence free parades, and that west when they didn't have foreign 'representative's coming over on a new crusade (I'm talking about you Peter Tatchell and your PR stunts in the East) to 'help'.

There is no magic formula. Each country finds its own way and it takes time. There is no easy and simple solution.

In the Balkans people do know that gay people exist but they never used to talk or mention it, gay people were invisible, but people knew by the use of certain key words who was. This is what it was like in the West within living memory.

A final point I'd like to make, there are many, many gay couples out there (in the West too) who do not manifest in explicit and public forms their sexuality or even like the gay parades. It is just not their thing. This is not because they are afraid or somehow intimidated. It is just a stereotype to see gay people as all the same. Unfortunately gay parades only reinforce this myth.

This is not about 'Europe' or democracy.

Tadic and co. have hung themselves with their own rope in the hope of winning easy brownie points in the EU.

It also shows the shallowness of their political calculation. This neither a) fully unlocks the SAA, b) further Serbia's other interests in any measurable or demonstrateable manner.

I can't think of anything that would be more insulting to gay community than being used as a political tool.

Shame on the government!

"by the way, who will pay all the enormous tax-money spent for this ridicoulous parade during an economic crisis which isn´t a virtual problem ?

i have a guess, it won´t be the proud ones, correct ?"

What LGBT don't have jobs or pay taxes like everyone else in Serbia? (and I'm sure there's plenty of tax-evasion from everyone of any sexuality, too)

Think before you speak, mate.

roberto
frisco

You think homosexualls are free to parade muslim part of Bosnia without any incidents or objections from muslim clergy? Name one muslim country where homosexualls are free to be what they are?

Why do people still blame Soros. When is the last time he did anything in Serbia? Are you not paying attention? He moved on long ago. Why don't you?

And while you're answering questions, why is it not a sin to beat someone?

To: (Peggy, 20 September 2009

'We have the gay Mardi Gras in Sydney and it is a spectacular event. Who is it hurting? Nobody. '

- Nobody?! Where's the fun then?

'Nobody is trying to shove it down anyone's throat..'

- I strongly disagree.

And as far as Soros, colored revolutions and other things - this is really a bit paranoia. I don't think that if there is a peaceful "rainbow" demonstration on Knez Mihajlova, that would automatically mean, Serbia's next president will be Misha Saakashvili.

As for Soros himself - besides some gigantic mistakes he deserves to be criticized he is also known to spend a fortune during 2004 election year to remove Bush & co. Give the credit where credit is due. But Saak and Yuschenko were gigantic mistakes.
(Ataman, 19 September 2009 21:03)
you either cant read or are a soros croney.Maybe you should do some research on "otpor" maybe research what soros'sopen society promotes,maybe see which news organizations he supports(Birn,IST).This person is a huge player in the world he spends millions to promote abortion,homosexuality,atheism to mention just some of the sordid agenda he promotes .GOD bless Serbia.

It seems to me that there is no functional Law&Order authorities In Serbia, if they can't hadle a simple peacefull march.
(Kosova-USA, 19 September 2009 12:27)

And in Kosovo I am sure the march would go smoothly without incident, right?

Kedves Gyuri bácsi.Szopás van.(Dear uncle George(Soros),not evyrything is working your way).You should have studied history.Serbia is a hard rock.
(szemi, 19 September 2009 19:56)

Szemi, the level of ignorance regarding gays in the States is of astonishing level, so is the violence. To a very large degree I support their rights and they have all reasons to protest and demand a better treatment. At the same time the general public needs to be better educated - they (gays) do not represent any danger to the public.

The problem is, that the FORM of the parades does spoil the said message. I recall, Roberto being so proud that him and they (i.e. Bay Area Jewish organization) did stroll on the streets of SF surrounded by gyrating half-naked people and it was fun.

What a pathetic picture!

1) Wrong message about the gays. They are like normal people and gyrating half-naked on the street is not the way of their life. I know a very nice, gentle man in Moscow who is gay and he helped us many times. WTF is that insanity?

2) Wrong message about the Jews, too. Very disturbing.

In general, it (in SF) seem to be rather a "panem et circensis" event than really a political message. But that's the life, this is what American public likes to see.

Now for Belgrade or Budapest: we don't need SUCH "panem et circensis" events, they are tasteless, regardless, is it gay or straight or Buddhist or what-not. As for demonstration for gay rights: YES, WE NEED IT.

But we need it OUR way, not the way it is done in the States. Because America is not the country known for superb taste (mildly speaking).

The last, what we need (sorry, Roberto!) is a lecture like yours.

The reasons:

- At least half of the "not-so-supporters" of that event had objections to the taste and execution of the event, not to event itself. No need to slam everyone!

- Most of your Albanian and Croatian and some other mates clearly opposed the entire event, showing even less tolerance, than your Serbian "opponents". This is the way the life is, while Belgrade is not San Francisco - neither is Pristina or Zagreb.

But you - again - slammed Belgrade ONLY. Not the best tactics, IMO.

And as far as Soros, colored revolutions and other things - this is really a bit paranoia. I don't think that if there is a peaceful "rainbow" demonstration on Knez Mihajlova, that would automatically mean, Serbia's next president will be Misha Saakashvili.

As for Soros himself - besides some gigantic mistakes he deserves to be criticized he is also known to spend a fortune during 2004 election year to remove Bush & co. Give the credit where credit is due. But Saak and Yuschenko were gigantic mistakes.

It is a fundamental of democracy that people be allowed to demonstrate. It doesn't matter whether you agree with them or not.

It is also a fundamental that those who threaten violence should not be allowed to win.

For those of you who find homosexual behaviour distasteful, I would say get real. For a large number in the population it is not distasteful and it is infact normal. The whole point is that religious and other prejudices have caused many who are not attracted to members of their opposite sex to suffer needlessly at the hands of those who are now described as 'homophobic'. That prejudice must not be allowed to hurt people further.

Although religion still has a voice in the world, it should not be overplayed. Realistically, there is not a religious basis for life - we evolved and as much as we not might like the idea homosexuality does have an evolutionarily role. It is fair that parades should be allowed to make that point and show that it has democratic support that needs to be translated into tolerant law making.

The event should be allowed to go ahead as planned and should be properly policed.

I would say however as a reserve that I have - any overt sexual behaviour or arguments should normally be kept away from children (in particular) and that normal standards of decent behaviour require a certain decorum from both the heterosexual and homosexual communities.

Kosova-USA

YOU WROTE : «It seems to me that there is no functional Law&Order authorities In Serbia, if they can't hadle a simple peacefull march.»

I SAY : Is there any thing that you like in Serbia ? Do you believe that after your comment Serbs will improve something ? Do you think such a “simple peaceful march” would be possible in Kosovo ? How is the traffic in NY ?

Xin-so much hate for Orthodoxy is not good for your health. As I know, truout history, Orthodox religion never forced anybody to leave their religion and become Orthodox. They never bothered anybody, but because other religions(catholic and muslom) always tryed to force Orthodox people to their religion or be killed, Orthodox countries were always forced into war in order to protect themselves, their homes and religion.

As far as gay pride, one can not be blame for being born the way they are. Why would anybody want to be somthing that so many despise if they could help it. Absolutely, they should be respected as minority even thow I am not fan of parade. Serbia is going troug lot of difficulties, after all, west distroyed their county(another example of trying to distroy Orthodoxy) but Srbia is stil standing and will develop just fine, to your disappoitment, I am sure. Choke on your hatefulness.

I must congratulate the selfishness of 2 small minority groups for making the centre of Belgrade a no-go area today and placing the media spotlight on Serbia for all the wrong reasons.

I hope you are PROUD of yourselves!

Nevertheless, it was very amusing reading the utter nonsense by Kosovo-USA.

"The Serbian police is not capable of protecting people against criminals?"
Xin

They were in Kosovo where they protected close to 400.000 Serbs from hostile alabanians.

A victory for common sense and decency. These so called 'pride parades' are an excuse for public lewdness and general anti-social behaviour. If left unmonitored they turn into this - http://www.zombietime.com/up_your_alley_2008/part_1_full/

I'm sure no one (with their brains intact) would want that in Serbia or anywhere else for that matter.

EU is trying to open the doors to Serbia, but to no sucsess. Serbia if far away from democracy and the place where human rights are respected.
(Olf, 19 September 2009 16:42)
Yes the doors are opening and are being held open by homosexuals,atheists,communists and the like.No thanks! What a stupid arguement that Serbia is not democratic because it doesnt promote homosexuality.The EU and west bombed a sovereign nation for trying to protect its borders.The bombing was against international law but was democratic I guess.The majority of the EU countries didnt even bother to have referendums to repsect the will of the people.So like true fascists forced it upon the people "for hteir own good" how democratic.God bless Serbia for upholding Gods word.

I don’t understand some of the posters who are speaking about tradition, race purity, including their own views on homosexuality, especially I cannot understand what all this have to do with late Milosevic and Serbia‘s aspirations to join EU.This kind of discussion would be appropriate if the topic was, let's say "Homosexuality as right or worng". I appreciate everyone’s opinion and completely understand that someone do not support homosexuals and their sexual orientation , I understand and appreciate traditional values myself, but this is not the question of any above mentioned.

This is not a question of tradition any longer neither is a question of our own views on homosexuality but rather government’s inability to address the problem in order to prevent violence and possibly protect
people of being hurt while marching for own rights. Our government in Belgrade capitulated before the threats of violence and that is disturbing.
This only means that I as an individual do not feel safe to express my own opinion on something since my opinion might be cosidered as wrong one by some violent “Obraz” or “1389” or any other organisation’s member. I might get beaten up just because my country do nothing in order to protect me as an individual with the right to think and have own opinion.
No, for me, this is not political question but rather question of safety and funcionality of the legal system in Serbia which can be, of course, solved out trough political means and institutions. This has nothing to do with the EU and I personally could not care less what the EU has to say on this.
Our government was supposed to take decisive steps and enforce as mush as possible police forces
in order to, or at lest give its best, to protect the event and the supporters.
By doing that, our government would have sent clear message to all out there that the violence and threats cannot and must not be tolerated and certainly cannot dictate the country’s policy.

And, just few words on homosexuality while still here. Many of you here expressed negative opinion on homosexuality, which is your right of course, but how many of you over here are parents?
How many of you know what the homosexuality really is?

If not now, one day most of you will be parents. What would any of you do finding out later on that your own child might be homosexual? Would you wish to your own child to be beaten up somewhere on the street just because he/she prefer same sex. Wouldn’t you like all the best for your own child even though your own child has different sexual preferences than yours.
And, before any of you here say “No way, my child cannot be a homosexual” I suggest you to nform your self better on homosexuality and genes related to homosexuality, and you will see that
each of us is (already by birth) prone to acquire one while still developing in mother’s womb.

And, besides, why wouldn’t homosexuals be free to express their love on the street. I mean, we don’t get hurt when kissing our partners on the street coz it is seen as normal and because heterosexuality is something to be considered as normal, right? I don’t see what is the problem if two gays or two lesbians kiss each other on the street. I don’t speak about more open love expression since that kind love expression is distasteful for both, hetero and homos.
But, this march is not only about their inability to openly express their love, but rather solving their status within the society as well. Perhaps, they should be given that right to legalize their marriages and in that way solve some other issues that need to be solved through legal mechanisms.

Perhaps, there is another way to ask for those rights, but let’s be honest and admit how many of us (still living or or while lived in Serbia) faced the problems while dealing with legal issues.
I have faced many times, so many that sometimes I wished to take some really nasty measures in order to make someone addresses my problems. Sometimes, all of us must do something in order to become more visible to the community we belong to or entire society. That is the life. By turning our heads from homosexuals we won’t make them to disappear.

Remember, you will all be parents one day if not now, thus don't make psychological burden to own child by being so intolerant and having such bad attitude towards everything that involves homosexuals.

To: (Peggy, 20 September 2009

'We have the gay Mardi Gras in Sydney and it is a spectacular event. Who is it hurting? Nobody. '

- Nobody?! Where's the fun then?

'Nobody is trying to shove it down anyone's throat..'

- I strongly disagree.
(BH_NYC, 20 September 2009 14:15)

Do you think it's only fun when someone is getting hurt?
Well you are welcome to come to Sydney and watch and then tell me that someone is forced to participate or watch it. Anyone associated with it is there because they want to be there so again I say, NOBODY IS SHOWING IT DOWN ANYONE'S THROAT.

Did you only post that rubbish to try to make me seem silly? I think it just backfiered.

I have the feeling that I do not have the same article or I can't read.

The event was cancelled by the associations themselves because they didn't want to be re-routed to other two potential places.
(The Swiss, 19 September 2009 19:38)

Ah, thanks - that looks a bit different than. However, I have no objection if a TASTEFUL demo would be hold anywhere. People going under rainbow flag holding hands and transparents should be in line with the taste in a major city in 21st century.

-------

Their decision not to accetp it was stupid.
(The Swiss, 19 September 2009 19:38)

Gay/lesbian Serbs are still Serbs and their "inat" is still Serbian "inat". Nothing political there, just Serbian, as usual. Inat is inat. As stupid as it could be, this is why we respect Serbs, be them gay or straight.

Probably most of you never see a gay parade ,,,,Any idea how much business they bring to that town whenever they celebrate most of YOU do not have clue I'm talking millions in a day not a for year PRobably you can ask a ANOTHER SERB CANADIAN!!?? or some other Serbians who live abroad where this party's acquire and you can here in news how much they bring business to that city and I'm talking Business here not because I liked or not, Money Talks my friends not hate..

This is a huge step backwards for Serbia.
I don't care whether people agree with gays or gay parades or not. They don't have to agree with them but they have to allow them freedom or speech, movement and expression. This is the basis of democracy and if we lose this we might as well go back to communism.

When are Serbs going to get it? You don't have to agree with your neighbour but you have to allow them the freedom to feel and think the way they do as long as they don't infringe on your rights to the same.
We have the gay Mardi Gras in Sydney and it is a spectacular event. Who is it hurting? Nobody. If you don't want to participate or watch, you don't have to. Nobody is trying to shove it down anyone's throat but for us to ban it is denying our fellow citizens their right of expression.

Serbia has so many serious issues to deal with. Why are people so hung up on something which hurst nobody?

Churches and other places of worship are united in their rejection of homosexuality. That's ok. I don't expect them to accept it. I would be suprised if they did but people must not use what the church says as a weapon to become violent.

Bgannon, you said it well.

As our friend Kosova/USA poinetd out that there is no Law and Order in Serbia I think the organisers should consider holding the parade in Pristina or indeed Tirana, being the cradle of democracy and free-speech.

Frans, a Serb man is strong, tall and though guy(especially Serbs from Montenegro-tallest people in Europe)! He only accepts fight one-on-one style. He never beats those thath cant defend themselves, it is not in our tradition! Oh, your hurted french pride! I just hope so thath those hooligans who learned to behave in such manners from french and other western hooligans will face justice! Police will do their job, no mercy to hooligans!

This discussion is truly one between the enlightened and those lacking vision. It could have been predicted that those of a conservative and provincial mentality would fall in line with the believers of myths told to them on their grandmother's knee whereas those of a progressive and liberal mentality would see that defending basic human rights is far more important than supporting the wishes of the "majority".

First Amendment to the United States Constitution:


Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.