National File BY CULLEN MCCUE
Event organizers have claimed Serbia would be in violation of European human rights laws if the event is cancelled
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced on Saturday that a massive LBGT pride event scheduled for September will be scrapped. Vučić cited threats of violence and clashes in his decision to cancel the event, which was scheduled to be held from September 12-18 in the Serbian capital of Belgrade. Event organizers have vowed to go ahead with the festival, arguing that cancellation would violate European human rights laws.
The EuroPride festival is pan-European event dedicated to LGBT people. It has been hosted by a different city just about every year since 1992 and was scheduled to be held in Belgrade from September 12-18.
During remarks on Sunday President Vučić, announced the cancellation of the event, saying his government had come under pressure from “right-wing groups” and the Serbian Orthodox Church. Vučić — whose nation has complied with European Union LGBT policies as it seeks bloc membership — stressed that he was not thrilled with the decision, but that it was not feasible given the current political climate.
