Belgrade Pride March Demands LGBTQ+ Rights Amid Heavy Security
Belgrade's Pride march, held under tight police protection, called for improved LGBTQ+ rights in Serbia. The event, attended by Western diplomats and Russian refugees, proceeded without major incidents.
On September 7, 2024, Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, witnessed its annual Pride march, advocating for enhanced LGBTQ+ rights in the Balkan nation. The event, organized under the theme "Pride are people," unfolded under substantial police presence due to potential threats from extremist groups.
The march comes in the wake of a reported assault on a gay individual two days prior, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Serbia. This incident underscores the persistent discrimination and occasional violence that LGBTQ+ individuals encounter, despite Serbia's efforts to align with European Union standards.
Serbia's journey towards LGBTQ+ acceptance has been gradual. The country decriminalized homosexuality in 1994, and its constitution has prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation since 2006. However, same-sex partnerships remain unrecognized, a key demand of the LGBTQ+ community.
The march route included significant landmarks such as the Serbian government headquarters and the National Assembly building. Participants, adorned with rainbow flags, danced to music emanating from a lead truck. The event also attracted Russian LGBTQ+ refugees, fleeing conflict and oppression in their homeland.
Mikhail Afanasev, a Russian participant, expressed relief at being able to attend the march, stating:
"I came from Russia where I am completely prohibited as person, as gay, (a) human being. We want to love, we want to live in a free society, and to have those rights, like all other people have."
While the march proceeded without major incidents, a small group of opponents was observed singing nationalist songs and displaying a banner reading "Parade-Humiliation."
Serbia's LGBTQ+ rights record places it 28th out of 49 European countries, according to ILGA-Europe. The country has made some progress, such as allowing legal gender changes for transgender individuals since 2019 and opening its first LGBTQ+ community center in 2018.
The presence of Western ambassadors, opposition politicians, and some government ministers at the march signifies growing support for LGBTQ+ rights. However, the need for heavy police protection and the recent assault demonstrate the ongoing challenges faced by the community in Serbia.
As Serbia continues its bid for EU membership, improving LGBTQ+ rights remains a crucial aspect of its democratic development. The European Parliament has explicitly called on Serbia to enhance these rights as part of its accession process, highlighting the importance of this issue in the country's future.
