City Council sees no reason to ban gay pride parade

  • 2012-05-22

RIGA - The Riga City Council has not received information about any potential threats to public order and safety, therefore there is no reason to ban the June 2 gay pride parade proposed by the Latvian alliance of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexuals and their friends “Mozaika,” LETA was informed Riga City Council representative Ugis Vidauskis.

The municipality has become familiar with State Police and Security Police conclusions, however, their specialists have not established any potential threats to public order or safety.

"Mozaika's" opponents have not applied for any events to take place on June 2. Thus, taking into account the State Police and the Security Police have not established any possible threats, the municipality has no reason to ban the pride, pointed out Vidauskis.

As reported, "Mozaika" wishes to hold the event on June 2, with the aim of informing society of the situation of Latvia's gay, lesbian and bisexual community. Organizers also wish to achieve equal rights for all persons that will not be based on their sexual orientation.

The parade has been proposed to begin on Gertrudes Street in downtown Riga and end in Vermanes Park, where various events will take place throughout the day.