1st gay pride march planned in Serbia in years after threats forced cancellation last year

1st Serbian gay pride march in years planned

BELGRADE, Serbia — Organizers are planning Serbia’s first gay pride march in nearly a decade next month — after the one last year was canceled amid threats of violence by extremists.

Gays and lesbians often face harassment and pressure in predominantly conservative Serbia. Extremists broke up the Balkan nation’s first gay pride march in 2001 and beat up several participants. No gay pride marches have been held since then.

Marchers plan to parade past the Serbian government building on Oct. 10 under the slogan “Let’s walk together.”

Police did not immediately respond to Tuesday’s announcement. A similar event last year was canceled after police said they could not guarantee security from possible extremist attacks.