Blog 8_Pride Parade cancelled after homophobic threats

A gay parade due to take place today in Belgrade, Serbia, was cancelled due to security concerns. Organisers called off the event after being urged by the police to move venues.

"We were told in the meeting with Prime Minister Cvetkovic that the gathering is impossible for security reasons and that we should choose another location," said Dragana Vuckovic, member of the Pride Parade organizing team.

"Taking the Pride Parade to another location is simply not acceptable," Vuckovic said. "Pride parades are traditionally organised in the main streets of big cities and the message is that groups kept on the fringes of a society need to be integrated".

In the past week, homophobic graffiti has been appearing across the capital city with alogans such as "Gay parade - we're waiting for you" and "Death to homosexuals". Threats from ultra-nationalist groups have vowed to prevent the parade at all cost. This has reminded many of the bloody event eight years ago, when Belgrade's first gay parade ended up with violent attacks of participants.

Majda Puaca, a gay pride organiser, is stil traumatised by the memory.

"2001 was really scary," Puaca told BBC in a special report. " A guy came and punched a girl in front of me. The policeman was standing just two metres away eating ice cream and not responding. I screamed at the guy 'why did you hit this girl?' and he replied 'she's not a girl, she's a lesbian'."

Like in many places around the globe, homosexuality in Serbia is far from accepted. One of the most outspoken movements protesting against homosexuality is Obraz, an Orthodox Christian Organisation.

"All those trying to promote homosexuality as normal or acceptable are the enemies of the Serbian nation." said Mladen Obradovic, Secretary General of Obraz. He added that supporters of homosexuality are the enemies of the country and its traditional values.

Serbia's national church also called the event a "shame parade, not a pride parade".

Serbian President, Boris Tadic, finally broke the silence. Without deliberately supporting the rally, Tadic issued a statement saying that the state would offer protection for all its citizens, regardless of their religious, sexual or political affiliation. Some criticise that politicians are too afraid to say anything that would cost them votes. Observers believe that as Serbia desires to join the EU, changes must happen.

Serbia is not the only place where homosexuals supporters are threatened. In some Islamic countries, being homosexual can be fatal. A special report by Der Spiegel reveals how homosexuals are being targeted in the Muslim World.