Baltic Visitor

In contrast to last year’s debacle, the Gay Pride event on 3rd June has been declared a success by participants and by organisers Mozaīka, the Latvian alliance of lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transsexuals. The large police presence helped things to proceed peacefully, and the law enforcement agencies were praised by Mozaīka (quoted in UK Gay News):

“This year the situation has changed in a positive direction. Latvia’s courts have clearly confirmed that the right of free assembly rests with everyone. The political elite this year did not try to dispute this principle, and there was no talk of banning the march,” she continued.

“Co-operation with the police was very constructive, and we very much would like to praise their professionalism.”

Around 500 people attended the event, staged in a fenced-off park with police on the perimeter. On the other side of the city, a march known as ‘World Against Homosexuals’ attracted around 1500 participants.

P.S. Apologies for the late posting of this article – blame a much-deserved holiday!