Bosnians march in first Gay Pride under tight police protection

Several thousand people marched in Bosnia’s first Gay Pride on Sunday, protected by a major security operation including anti-sniper units after some conservative groups organized counter-rallies. The parade in the capital Sarajevo ended peacefully despite fears of violence prompted by aggressive hate speech online in a country where anti-gay sentiment can often be heard in public.

“I have always thought that basic human rights should exist for all and when I saw all those hate comments against the Pride march, I felt it was my obligation to come and show support,” said Sanja, 54, from Sarajevo, who joined the march with her husband.

“We, LGBTIQ persons, fight every day for our existence, identity and love,” said Branko Culibrk, an organizer, adding that passivity of institutions in Bosnia, where discrimination against minority groups is legally banned, had encouraged violence from homophobic groups.

Earlier on Sunday, several hundred opponents of the Pride march held a peaceful meeting and a walk, carrying placards condemning homosexuality. On Saturday, several conservative groups organized another march devoted to “traditional family values”.

Homophobia and discrimination, often fueled by religious leaders and right-wing political parties, is widespread in the Balkans.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-gay-pride-bosnia/bosnians-march-in-first-gay-pride-under-tight-police-protection-idUSKCN1VT0KY