Ban on Pride Parade not defeat but victory, PM says

Personally I find it disgusting and embarrassing that there was a need for a ban in the first place. It was banned due to "secuirty reasons", in other words some of our fellow citizens are so intolerant and hateful of others who are different that they'd attack and hurt them; hence the secuirty risks. We're just as bad and backwards as some of these radical Islamic states. This Pride Parade was banned for their own safety. Had it of gone ahead, they would have been attacked.

In Serbia, we should be able to be proud of who we are for whatever reason, not matter what it is and be able to express our pride without the risk of harm.

And no Mr Dačić this is not a victory for Serbia. It is an embarrassment for Serbia as it shows the world how backwards and intolerant some of us still are, when we should be showing the world that we're a modern 21st century developing and welcoming modern state!

Why don't the gays hold their parade in places like "Kosova", Iraq or Afghanistan?

Serbia is a very victorious state. At least once a year.

Banning the Gay parade is sending the message that the government will give in to anyone or group with extremist views. It sends the message that extremists who threaten with violence have the upper hand. The whole idea of a gay parade is not about highlighting a specific group's sexual orientation but to show that Serbia is a modern and tolerant society that will (and can) protect fundamental rights such as freedom of expression (without the need for violence) and the right to hold peaceful manifestations.

Ms. Clinton, then you pay for the security for this pride parade. Serbia doesn't have money to supply its hospitals, to pay its bills, it survives on loans. I think money would be better spent on life's necessities, than on securing a gathering of a micro-element of society. BTW, have folks here seen these pride parades in Western capitals? They are a shameless display of perversion, where many march in scant costumes, mimic sexual acts, some men dressed as women, with their butt cheeks exposed. Is this freedom of expression, and assembly, or in your face perversion?

Happy to read that you dont have the kind of weak politicians we suffer under here in Sweden. Here they have no principles or ideals except for on election day. My apologises, as a Swedish citizen and Orthodox Christian, to the country of Serbia who this week will see Swedish degenerate "religious" art be exhibited in connection with the Gay Pride event. Unfortunately, with EU membership coming up, they will try to force even more on your beautiful country in due time.

"when we should be showing the world that we're a modern 21st century developing and welcoming modern state!"

In order to do that, you first have to BE "a modern 21st century developing state"

Serbia is having every day a new victory with this government.

I have to say, well done to Serbia for making another brave decision. This isn't about freedom of expression but rather a provocation. When expression offends, becomes immoral and insulting to a nation then we need to make a stand. The fact that this is being blown out of proportion and forced upon Serbs, is backfiring on gay people. Serbs are tolerant of gays but this is becoming less so as they attempt to force a parade where they walk around half naked making obscene sexual gestures in public and also displaying images mocking Christ then I'm afraid my support has been lost.

Admittedly, I did at one stage support this parade on the understanding that gay people would be walking down the street expressing themselves decently but after seeing the pictures in the exhibition mocking Christ, this has completely changed my view.

I don't expect many of the commentators here to understand and how could they? They are not Orthodox nor Serbian but come here and expect Serbia to accept the perversion that their home countries (in the west) have accepted. Keep it there I say. I am happy that more Serbs are turning to religion as that is part of our culture. Western countries are experiencing the opposite where churches are being converted into clubs and the only religion growing in those countries is Islam. Lets see in 10 to 20 years time how tolerant they are towards Islam when it is shoved in their faces. I say let the west give those Islam radicals freedom of expression also.

Crikey, we've got bigger fish to fry than this nonsense.

It is a victory because Serbia hasn't caved in to western cultural sabotage. There is a wrong assumption by many people, especially the great gay defender Danilo that morality must change simply because time moves on. It is an extremely weak argument, just because western neo-liberal societies at one point decided that it is a moral requirement to fully accept and agree with gay values it doesn't mean that centuries of opposition are now defunct and no longer have basis. I know gays have existed throughout time, but this makes no different to whether it should be treated as a normality, it is not, biologically or morally. Also this isn't about 'thugs', it is about the vast majority of the Serbian population being opposed, as if the government is scared of a group of thugs. There are plenty of places around the world where gays can join a parade, but please someone tell me the necessesity of holding it in Belgrade. I can't think of any other reason than to taunt people, why does everyone have to witness it?

Ecoman,

You already asked me this today, and I already answered you today. To me that shows you're not interested in any kind of dialogue, just repeating talking-points that are necessary to buttress your worldview.

I've already told you many times I'm not Albanian. What difference would it make if I were? I already told you I'd disdain just as much if 6000 thugs came onto the streets of Pristina saying "kill the fag". Since that hasn't happened, and also since I don't live in Pristina and have only visited a few times (I'm guessing a few times more than you), it's kind abstract and doesn't have a real impact on me compared to the streets of Belgrade which I walk every day.

Again with the "Albanians society is EVEN more backwards than Serbian". Big deal. I don't understand how you can take any solace or pride in that. It's like arguing which side of sh*t has more or less corn in it. Even if you're right, you're talking about a piece of shit.

Then again, I'm not even sure that what you say is true. Tirana had a gay festival last year with no violence and no need for half of the country's security forces.

Hmmmm.....it seems that Dacic is trying to show that although he wants the political benefits of being in the EU, he shares the same moral values as Russia. Maybe he is threatening the EU with what Serbia might become if it postpones Serbia's entrance. Serbia's current government certainly is not democratic.

Great comments, as usual, from Danilo, T, I'm a S/C/M...and several others under related stories. Hold the line, guys! One day, Serbia will make a quantum leap on this "issue" and join the ranks of modern states that have long-since moved on to other matters.

"that morality must change simply because time moves on"

The moral issue hasn't changed. The moral issue is peoples' legitimate right to free assembly in public. There is not "right" of retrograde atavism, at least not in the Serbian constitution I read.

I don't care what the west allow in their countries, we don't want it here period...It was immoral thousands of years ago, it is today and will be for all time.
(Dr. Who, 4 October 2012 15:50)

Why don't you ask your Greek friends about Sparta?

Hahaha, Danilo, a resident Albanian poster here on B92 English, speaking of retrograde atavism, in reference to gay activism in Serbia. There is more backward society in Europe than any land occupied by Albanians, and here we have Danilo preaching to Serbs. Anything to take a negative shot at anything Serbian, eh, Danilo? Tell the truth, how would a Pride parade, or an exhibition with pictures of Mohammed in a dress and high heels, fly in Pristina? Be honest now, Danilo, or will you even respond? Your battle for gay rights is to be commended, but please do it in your Albanian parts of KiM, the gay community has even fewer rights there.

(Zoran, 4 October 2012 13:09)

And theres me thinking that you'd be up for a bit of LGBT pride considering that Homosexuality was invented by your Orthodox Greek brothers. Not to mention that the Bible is full of Homosexuality and Sodomy.

"I have to say, well done to Serbia for making another brave decision. This isn't about freedom of expression but rather a provocation. When expression offends, becomes immoral and insulting to a nation then we need to make a stand. "
(Zoran, 4 October 2012 13:09)

Yes, and just like this is immoral, for Saudi Arabia and other muslim countries it's immoral that women drive a car, or being outside their house without burka, or Allah beware, someone dares to publish cartoons in a country far away. Or the immorality of listening to Music, which is a reason for Taliban to kill people.

Sad to see that there are enough Serbs who share the so-called 'moral values' with Muslim countries than the values of human rights and tolerance of a modern, European country.

"The fact that there is some evidence of homosexuality having existed in ANCIENT Greece bears no evidence that they invented it, what a stupid statement."
(SCP UK, 4 October 2012 16:17)

Even more stupid to think that homosexuality can be 'invented'. It's as 'invented' as humans 'invented' to walk on two feet, to use tools, to grow plants for food. In a word: Pure evolution, by nature.

Again, I ask what makes a city modern. Because those other cities have no backbone they are modern? Is that what you are attempting to say?
(???, 4 October 2012 17:11)

Your definition of modern: "Modern? What to you does the word modern mean to you? When I am in Bgd, I see people with the newest cars, newest cell phones, fastest computers, latest fashions, drinking the current trendiest drinks, etc"

Skip the drinks and what is the difference to Tehran? Except that they are stuck in 1979 and you are in 1389.

It's so sad that Serbia has to exist in this state where on one hand, horrific injustice and cover up of genocide has been committed against the Serbs since 1990s, but in response to that, Serbs became more and more radicalised against democracy, diversity and human rights. This reaction is not unusual, the Jews became frighteningly radical after surviving genocide which occurred at the same time as another Serbian genocide, at the hands of Croats and Germans in WWII. It seems to be the consequence of such huge and violent assault, that people turn towards religion, tradition and conservatism. In a way, there's safety in the values of the past, when life seemed simpler, safer, easier to live and survive.

Homophobia is the same as any other reaction to something "different" - disability, physical unattractiveness, fatness, thinness, illness, strange dress sense or anything significantly "unusual" in a certain environment. There's a reflex discomfort at a thought of it, and this is where education and human rights are crucial because they can teach the children from the youngest age that being different is ok. How many children suffer because they are poor of chubby or wear glasses, or have ginger hair or a big nose or their mum is a single mum or they were adopted or... The list of "differences" is endless. It is up to us as a society to teach our children to be tolerant of everyone who is not breaking the law, no matter how "different" they may be.

(Zoran, 4 October 2012 13:09)

And as to your concern about the LGTB having images of Christ, well according to some historical sources Jesus was believed to have been gay. The LGBT community have as much right to cliam Jesus as non-gays do. Jesus is believed by some to have been the world's first gay icon. But then again I'm an Athiest and I don't believe that Jesus was the son of God. Was Jesus gay? We can't be sure either way. But one thing is for sure, Jesus is not who he is made out to be. It was only decided in 325 AD at the Council of Nicea that Jesus was the son of God. Before that, he was regarded as just another Prophet. But if the LGBT community want to celebrate Jesus and claim him as their own, then fair game. And I doubt they're intentionally mocking Jesus either, they're just interpreting Jesus differently to you; and they probably find your interpretation of Jesus mocking.

Nice try, Ian, at a cheap shot of Orthodoxy. There is no more homosexuality, and bestiality , than in Muslim countries, due to their repressive attitudes towards sexuality. BTW, I don't think the Serbian Orthodox church wrote the bible. Jesus, you Serb haters are something else.

Questioner, you completely missed my point, I was implying that homosexuality isn't something that was invented, rather a defect, thats why I told Ian UK his point about Greeks inventing homosexuality was so ridiuclous.

Zoran hit the nail on the head. I absolutely hate the customs of Islamic countries which closely follow sharia law, however I never visit those countries, nor do I ever try and lecture them on how they ought to live, in their lands they have the right to live how they please. Just as with Serbia, portrayal of homosexuality is opposed by the vast majority, so don't tell Serbs what they ought to accept.

" Take away the subway and the cowards who do not stand up to gay parades and what is the difference between Beograd and New York/Paris/London"


BWA HA HA... well. Belgrade is an occasionally charming but mostly completely dysfunctional vuka jebina, and New York, Paris and London are the world centres of finance, business, culture and entirely vibrant and cosmopolitan places.

Why is it always the rights of the tiny minority that are heard the loudest. What about the rights of the majority. It isn't personal or bigoted. One might say it is the minority which is provocative. Minorities must have a say, but also respect the majority in the end

And no Mr Dačić this is not a victory for Serbia. It is an embarrassment for Serbia as it shows the world how backwards and intolerant some of us still are, when we should be showing the world that we're a modern 21st century developing and welcoming modern state!
(I'm a Croat and a Muslim, 4 October 2012 10:45)

Modern? What to you does the word modern mean to you? When I am in Bgd, I see people with the newest cars, newest cell phones, fastest computers, latest fashions, drinking the current trendiest drinks, etc

Good for you Serbia!

Zoran, 4 October 2012 13:09)

And as to your concern about the LGTB having images of Christ, well according to some historical sources Jesus was believed to have been gay. The LGBT community have as much right to cliam Jesus as non-gays do. Jesus is believed by some to have been the world's first gay icon. But then again I'm an Athiest and I don't believe that Jesus was the son of God. Was Jesus gay? We can't be sure either way. But one thing is for sure, Jesus is not who he is made out to be. It was only decided in 325 AD at the Council of Nicea that Jesus was the son of God. Before that, he was regarded as just another Prophet. But if the LGBT community want to celebrate Jesus and claim him as their own, then fair game. And I doubt they're intentionally mocking Jesus either, they're just interpreting Jesus differently to you; and they probably find your interpretation of Jesus mocking.
(Ian, UK, 4 October 2012 15:59)

You're pretty funny Ian, you poor, pathetic, modern man. Don't you know that we are all--including Jesus--the Son of God? There is only ONE SON!!!

What makes the people who enjoyed the exhibit last night less Serbian than you and who gets to decide.
(Danilo, 4 October 2012 18:46)
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I'm no judge Danilo but as you know there was a large police presence last night (you know, riot police). That seems unnatural to me so obviously the exhibition was treated as uncultured.

Even though Serbs accept gays living here they don't want it exhibited. Speak to the people and that should be fairly obvious. You should know that, you even showed me a video the other day where it was completely obvious. If you ever go to Dubai, couples showing affection in public is an insult (like kissing). I'm not one to tell them they are wrong and backward, I just accept that as part of their culture. When in Rome, if you know what I mean.

Serbs celebrating another loss. What's wrong with Serbs?

Modern? What to you does the word modern mean to you? When I am in Bgd, I see people with the newest cars, newest cell phones, fastest computers, latest fashions, drinking the current trendiest drinks, etc
(???, 4 October 2012 15:02)

And thanks to B92's Insider we know how all this is being paid for.
And now bury your head back into the sand.

How they get the money doesnt matter in this context, point I made which you clearly failed to dispute is Serbs have all the most modern things that every other big modern city has except Serbs have a backbone to challenge disgusting acts of perversion that those other modern cities failed to do.
(???, 4 October 2012 16:34)

According to you Belgrade and Tehran make nice bedfellows

Sad to see that there are enough Serbs who share the so-called 'moral values' with Muslim countries than the values of human rights and tolerance of a modern, European country.
(Comm. Parrisson, 4 October 2012 16:51)
--
As they say, when in Rome. If you ever travel to the middle east, you should respect their culture otherwise don't go. If you go into the Vatican, make sure your shoulders and knees are covered otherwise you don't get in. Don't walk around London naked even if you are a naturist. It is all about respect for ones culture.

So basically, those countries that have accepted gays and their parades, good for them. So they've now moved on and feel forcing their values upon others, who are simply not interested, is appropriate? Don't agree then enjoy our bombs mentality.

Dressing up perversion and disrespect with words such as "modern democracies" is a sad attempt at forcing something upon others. You see, the movie Innocence of Muslims didn't offend me because I'm not Muslim but that doesn't mean it wasn't wrong.

So all of you non-Serbs who don't live in Serbia, since you are not in Rome then do as you please. Don't come here and preach about modernity and such because it has both its good and bad points. Belgrade is a great city with a great soul and culture. If you don't like it, stay away as we don't need nor want you. But since we still have great weather, anyone wanting to catch up for some drinks and good discussion, send me an email -> zorank@email.com

Problem is, Zoran, maybe I missed the memo or something, but I'm not sure when or who appointed you (or anyone for that matter) some sort of judge of what "is Serbian" or not.

What makes the people who enjoyed the exhibit last night less Serbian than you and who gets to decide.

Skip the drinks and what is the difference to Tehran? Except that they are stuck in 1979 and you are in 1389.
(Ostrich, 4 October 2012 17:30)

?? Take away the subway and the cowards who do not stand up to gay parades and what is the difference between Beograd and New York/Paris/London.

Less traffic congestion, less police presence, less hooliganism, less chaos, less angry commuters who can't get anywhere because 100 people including Ceda and Kandic need something to do. Most of us wouldn't mind the parade if it wasn't all for show and if the hooligan idiot problem was dealt with years ago. But if the only people going to be upset about this are people that don't live here because it's "not democratic", then I see it as no big loss. We've got bigger problems to deal with.

They are a shameless display of perversion, where many march in scant costumes, mimic sexual acts, some men dressed as women, with their butt cheeks exposed. Is this freedom of expression, and assembly, or in your face perversion?
(ecoman, 4 October 2012 12:42)

Isn't such a show abuss of children's rights?

You're skirting the issue. In the Dubai example you're talking about visitors to Dubai and how they should behave.
(Danilo, 4 October 2012 21:08)
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Sorry Danilo, it's not just the visitors that need to respect the culture but the locals demand it otherwise in jail you go. UAE is a friend of western culture and never gets criticised... Please remember that.

Danilo

explain to me why it is moral for homosexuals to have sex in the only way they can??? Explain why is such a vile and disgusting act moral????

It is not moral, it is not right nor will it ever be so.

You should stop and take the time to think about what you have said and what you are proposing.

This kind of behaviour is not normal and we should not allow the likes of those people to impose their disgusting ways upon those of us that reject it. I don't care what the west allow in their countries, we don't want it here period. If the west is so upset at Serbia's decision then let them take all the gay people in and they can do what the hell they like over there. If you say they have a right to do what they want then I have the same right to reject it on the grounds of their immorality. I do not have to accept a thing which is wrong regardless of the time in which we live. It was immoral thousands of years ago, it is today and will be for all time.

Modern? What to you does the word modern mean to you? When I am in Bgd, I see people with the newest cars, newest cell phones, fastest computers, latest fashions, drinking the current trendiest drinks, etc
(???, 4 October 2012 15:02)

And thanks to B92's Insider we know how all this is being paid for.
And now bury your head back into the sand.
(Ostrich, 4 October 2012 15:47)

How they get the money doesnt matter in this context, point I made which you clearly failed to dispute is Serbs have all the most modern things that every other big modern city has except Serbs have a backbone to challenge disgusting acts of perversion that those other modern cities failed to do.

Danilo,

Your comments on this article are measured and balanced. Well done. Ecoman seems to have real issues understanding the main points of tolerance and compassion (christian values one might say)

Ostrich

Why don't you??

I don't recall saying that the Greeks were my friends, can you quote me on that then??

I also dont recall telling anyone my religious orientation, one thing might surprise you, I am not Orthodox.

If you are gay I stand by all I have said and I reject homosexuality period.

That's right!
There is just no need for a pride parade in Serbia.
IMO: fine if you are gay but know this you will not get a child so no descendant...
And in Europe as a whole we do not have a big population growth..

@Ian UK, your comments are hilarious as much as they are untrue. The fact that there is some evidence of homosexuality having existed in ANCIENT Greece bears no evidence that they invented it, what a stupid statement. And the reason I highlighted Ancient is to explain that Ancient Greeks wern't Orthodox Christians, so another explanation as to why your talking out of your backside.
(SCP UK, 4 October 2012 16:17)

I'm glad you found it hilarious as my comment was regarding the classic old joke about the Greek and the Italian. Surely a Brit like you must know it?

http://jokes4all.net/joke_2862.html

And I hope you're reading this too Questioner.

I never said that Ancient Greeks were Orthodox Christians. I just referred to Greeks as "Orthodox Brothers" as that is what many Serbs refer to them as and Greeks are the apparently the descendants of Ancient Greeks (I know this is debated) and Greeks are stereotypically seen as fanciers of men.

-----------------------

Nice try, Ian, at a cheap shot of Orthodoxy. There is no more homosexuality, and bestiality , than in Muslim countries, due to their repressive attitudes towards sexuality. BTW, I don't think the Serbian Orthodox church wrote the bible. Jesus, you Serb haters are something else.
(ecoman, 4 October 2012 16:30)

It wasn't a "cheap shot of Orthodoxy", it was a joke. Yes you are correct, the Serbian Orthodox Church didn't write the Bible. I'm not a "Serb hater", I just disagree politically with Serbia on some issues.

Zoran.

You're skirting the issue. In the Dubai example you're talking about visitors to Dubai and how they should behave.

I'm talking about fellow Serbs. You're saying "serbian culture this, serbian culture that". The Serbs in the parade and at the exhibit are Serbian too.

I'm not sure how embracing uniformity is something desirable. It ultimately leads to violence, which is plainly evident in Serbia.

I'm not sure how kicking at the "black sheep" in anything positive.

Dacic says " ...Not a defeat but victory..." Doesnt this sound just like when Slobodan Milosevic would want to portray defeats like victories?
I Guess Serbia is unfortunately set for one more round of Milosevic era mentality.
I do feel really sorry for the regular serb people who will have to suffer one more round of Milosevic propaganda and sufferings...
Being a montenegrin it really hurts me to see the serb people suffer, but they really need to prevail from the old mentality and get in the world of reality.
I think the serbs did not suffer enough in order to get a wake up call that people like Milosevc, Nikolic and Dacic are not the best to lead them.

What is the big deal? I don't have a problem with homosexuality, but I compare homosexuality to sexual abuse, bestiality and cannibalism... Er DERP! LOL...

Some guys here have difficulty in hiding their hatred for homosexuals, but its hard to hide stupidity

According to you Belgrade and Tehran make nice bedfellows
(Ostrich, 4 October 2012 16:52)


So basically you are showing everyone on b92 that you have zero argument and need to make silly remarks just to show you have some sort of comeback.

Again, I ask what makes a city modern. Because those other cities have no backbone they are modern? Is that what you are attempting to say?

I actually agree with Malo Ivica on his decision to ban all public gatherings on Saturday, there is just too high of a risk of someone (or many people) getting badly injured if the pride parade would be held in an open street at this time, no matter how many Belgrade Municipal, MUP and Zendarm. Police Malo Ivica could have present at the parade.

Thanks, Traveller and Nenad for your compliments :)

That's what NATO HQ pays me the big bux for ;)

What is the big deal? I have nothing against homosexuals and homosexuality, but the argument that it has been observed in animal behaviour is outright stupid. Homosexuality may exist in the animal kingdom, but so do paedophilia, cannibalism and incest. Does that mean all of these things are okay in human society? Regardless, what people do in their own house is none of my business. The problem is the parading in the streets. Why? Homosexuals only do this only to infuriate and provoke the public which finds this uncomfortable. It has nothing to do with human rights; I've never seen anybody get turned down from work because of their sexual orientation. Comparing it to the tribulations of African-Americans and their fight for human rights is almost offensive. To all this talk of the "West" and their "benevolence" to human rights and the homosexual community, you do realise these are the same people who murdered a million civilians in Iraq, not the mention the casualties from the dozen other countries they bombed or invaded? Issues like this and the presidential elections are nothing more than a distraction from real human rights abuses, committed by your own "democratic" governments. In the end, Serbia has every right to ban this parade. If the majority of citizens in Serbia find half-naked men and women making obscene sexual gestures in public offensive and uncomfortable, then the governing body has every right to ban the parade in favour of the people.

Ok then Danilo, lets allow every freak imaginable to 'right of assembly' (parade), lets allow peadophiles to parade and even those who commit bestiality to parade as well! The line has to be drawn, and that line is drawn above the gay community, like I said, they have countless other places to parade around the world, them parading infront of a population which abhor it is nothing be deliberate provocation.

@Ian UK, your comments are hilarious as much as they are untrue. The fact that there is some evidence of homosexuality having existed in ANCIENT Greece bears no evidence that they invented it, what a stupid statement. And the reason I highlighted Ancient is to explain that Ancient Greeks wern't Orthodox Christians, so another explanation as to why your talking out of your backside.

Luka you assume somebody who disagrees with your categorizing gays with rapists and cannibals must be a homosexual LOL!!!

Please continue, everybody can see what you are...

@serbian commentators who are comparing Serbia and Albania about this problem,

There was a Gay Parade in Tirana on May 17,2012 and a gay march or bike ride on May 15,2012.

No violence no incidents.
Remeber that 70% of Albanians in Albania are muslim and nothing happened.
One minister on the gonverment spoke harsh agaiinst gay people.Religious communities(muslim,orthodox,catholic) release a stetement in which they disagree with the Parade or Festival.
Prime Minister Berisha,muslim himself, forcfully supported it.
Everything was over and none is talking about them.

Y u are comparing yourself with a 4 year old state like Kosovo, and dont compare with Albania?
We DID HOLD a gay event in Tirana and it was very quiet.
You COULDN'T do the same in Belgrade.

Check the facts before putting down albanians.

Personally,I dont like gays but they exist and they shouldnt be discriminated just because of their sexual orientation.

I told u guys before.It looks Serbia is theocracy more than democracy,where Irenej is more important than Dacic and Nikolic.
Good night!

Mirel from Albania

What the gay people do in Albania is not our business nor concern 70% Muslim or not, if they trid it in Afghanistan or Pakistan they'd wind up dead and I think you know that.

If the folks in Serbia don't want that behaviour in their streets and cities and the majority don't then they have the right to say no. I don't care what the gay people do in the privacy of their own homes, that is their business but to parade mimmicking sexual acts in public is not on, it is indecent to do so period.

They may allow gay parades in the west but if those people started to act in an inapropriate manner they would be arrested as I'm sure they would in Albania because it would be deemed as indecent behaviour, would you condone such acts in public Mirel? I really am inclined to think that you would not.

Good day to you.

Well aint it great,they can trample on the rights of a minority but they dont give two hoots if Neoliberal policies are tearing this country apart. Anyone who does not want them "showing" off thats fine,just give them their rights,thats what they are asking for in this case.Clearly the police can protect a NATO summit held on our soil,but they are obviously too chicken to defend a protest from a bunch of hooligans.For anyone wondering what the terrible amount of money is that the government is spending on these gay demonstrators ,the answer is 2500 British pounds on the construction of a website and other activities.I think people would be a BIT more usefull in directing their anger at these disastrous privatisations by foreign corperations and persons,church/state corruption and self defeating economic policies if you really want to know where our tax money is going.Why dont they react so angrily to pahomije and beat him up?

"We DID HOLD a gay event in Tirana and it was very quiet."

Well, if it was "very quiet", would you objectively call it a real parade then???? As I understand things, a parade is a celebration where the participants show off themselves and promote their cause. A "very quiet" parade sounds like an oxymoron to me.



"Personally,I dont like gays but they exist and they shouldnt be discriminated just because of their sexual orientation.

I told u guys before.It looks Serbia is theocracy more than democracy,where Irenej is more important than Dacic and Nikolic.
Good night!
(Mirel from Albania, 4 October 2012 23:59)"

I think heterosexual people, who form the big majority in a population, may be offended if a gay parade goes out of its way to promote the lifestle -- for example, parents can be expected to be worried about the influence on their children from a high profile celebration that such a parade entails? And since the heterosexual population form the majority, shouldn't their concerns be addressed?

You talk about democracy. Did you know that if you invoke your freedom of speech and publicly question the existence or magnitude of the Holocaust, you can end up in the courts in those very Western countries that you seemed to put on the pedestal of democracy? And if a parade were to be held denying the Holocaust .......

People with gay intentions that live in Belgrade, you should be happy that the Government is banning the parade as this is a pro caution for your safety. Feel free to move to Zagreb where you will find more people like yourselves.

" As I know the pictures of Jesus from that Sweden so called “artist” is forbidden in EU"

link please.

Not everyone against the parade at this time is against gays, I just don't want to see people end up fighting for their life in VMA due to violence.

anti-fascist, I assume you must be homosexual considering you took my comment so personally. If you want, re-read my comment and think of an adequate reply, rather than paraphrasing and writing "derp" followed by "LOL". You do understand that you look like the idiot with your comment?

As I know the pictures of Jesus from that Sweden so called “artist” is forbidden in EU ..why are they do that in Belgrade? Government approved the exhibition organized and ensuring the same... to approved the parade after such a vulgar exhibition that offends Catholic and Orthodox world is something that would really be the least agreement with disrespect religion of the majority of the world population.

Why don't the gays hold their parade in places like "Kosova", Iraq or Afghanistan?

Personally I find it disgusting and embarrassing that there was a need for a ban in the first place. It was banned due to "secuirty reasons", in other words some of our fellow citizens are so intolerant and hateful of others who are different that they'd attack and hurt them; hence the secuirty risks. We're just as bad and backwards as some of these radical Islamic states. This Pride Parade was banned for their own safety. Had it of gone ahead, they would have been attacked.

In Serbia, we should be able to be proud of who we are for whatever reason, not matter what it is and be able to express our pride without the risk of harm.

And no Mr Dačić this is not a victory for Serbia. It is an embarrassment for Serbia as it shows the world how backwards and intolerant some of us still are, when we should be showing the world that we're a modern 21st century developing and welcoming modern state!

Ms. Clinton, then you pay for the security for this pride parade. Serbia doesn't have money to supply its hospitals, to pay its bills, it survives on loans. I think money would be better spent on life's necessities, than on securing a gathering of a micro-element of society. BTW, have folks here seen these pride parades in Western capitals? They are a shameless display of perversion, where many march in scant costumes, mimic sexual acts, some men dressed as women, with their butt cheeks exposed. Is this freedom of expression, and assembly, or in your face perversion?

It is a victory because Serbia hasn't caved in to western cultural sabotage. There is a wrong assumption by many people, especially the great gay defender Danilo that morality must change simply because time moves on. It is an extremely weak argument, just because western neo-liberal societies at one point decided that it is a moral requirement to fully accept and agree with gay values it doesn't mean that centuries of opposition are now defunct and no longer have basis. I know gays have existed throughout time, but this makes no different to whether it should be treated as a normality, it is not, biologically or morally. Also this isn't about 'thugs', it is about the vast majority of the Serbian population being opposed, as if the government is scared of a group of thugs. There are plenty of places around the world where gays can join a parade, but please someone tell me the necessesity of holding it in Belgrade. I can't think of any other reason than to taunt people, why does everyone have to witness it?

I have to say, well done to Serbia for making another brave decision. This isn't about freedom of expression but rather a provocation. When expression offends, becomes immoral and insulting to a nation then we need to make a stand. The fact that this is being blown out of proportion and forced upon Serbs, is backfiring on gay people. Serbs are tolerant of gays but this is becoming less so as they attempt to force a parade where they walk around half naked making obscene sexual gestures in public and also displaying images mocking Christ then I'm afraid my support has been lost.

Admittedly, I did at one stage support this parade on the understanding that gay people would be walking down the street expressing themselves decently but after seeing the pictures in the exhibition mocking Christ, this has completely changed my view.

I don't expect many of the commentators here to understand and how could they? They are not Orthodox nor Serbian but come here and expect Serbia to accept the perversion that their home countries (in the west) have accepted. Keep it there I say. I am happy that more Serbs are turning to religion as that is part of our culture. Western countries are experiencing the opposite where churches are being converted into clubs and the only religion growing in those countries is Islam. Lets see in 10 to 20 years time how tolerant they are towards Islam when it is shoved in their faces. I say let the west give those Islam radicals freedom of expression also.

Ok then Danilo, lets allow every freak imaginable to 'right of assembly' (parade), lets allow peadophiles to parade and even those who commit bestiality to parade as well! The line has to be drawn, and that line is drawn above the gay community, like I said, they have countless other places to parade around the world, them parading infront of a population which abhor it is nothing be deliberate provocation.

@Ian UK, your comments are hilarious as much as they are untrue. The fact that there is some evidence of homosexuality having existed in ANCIENT Greece bears no evidence that they invented it, what a stupid statement. And the reason I highlighted Ancient is to explain that Ancient Greeks wern't Orthodox Christians, so another explanation as to why your talking out of your backside.

"when we should be showing the world that we're a modern 21st century developing and welcoming modern state!"

In order to do that, you first have to BE "a modern 21st century developing state"

Banning the Gay parade is sending the message that the government will give in to anyone or group with extremist views. It sends the message that extremists who threaten with violence have the upper hand. The whole idea of a gay parade is not about highlighting a specific group's sexual orientation but to show that Serbia is a modern and tolerant society that will (and can) protect fundamental rights such as freedom of expression (without the need for violence) and the right to hold peaceful manifestations.

Happy to read that you dont have the kind of weak politicians we suffer under here in Sweden. Here they have no principles or ideals except for on election day. My apologises, as a Swedish citizen and Orthodox Christian, to the country of Serbia who this week will see Swedish degenerate "religious" art be exhibited in connection with the Gay Pride event. Unfortunately, with EU membership coming up, they will try to force even more on your beautiful country in due time.

Danilo

explain to me why it is moral for homosexuals to have sex in the only way they can??? Explain why is such a vile and disgusting act moral????

It is not moral, it is not right nor will it ever be so.

You should stop and take the time to think about what you have said and what you are proposing.

This kind of behaviour is not normal and we should not allow the likes of those people to impose their disgusting ways upon those of us that reject it. I don't care what the west allow in their countries, we don't want it here period. If the west is so upset at Serbia's decision then let them take all the gay people in and they can do what the hell they like over there. If you say they have a right to do what they want then I have the same right to reject it on the grounds of their immorality. I do not have to accept a thing which is wrong regardless of the time in which we live. It was immoral thousands of years ago, it is today and will be for all time.

Dacic says " ...Not a defeat but victory..." Doesnt this sound just like when Slobodan Milosevic would want to portray defeats like victories?
I Guess Serbia is unfortunately set for one more round of Milosevic era mentality.
I do feel really sorry for the regular serb people who will have to suffer one more round of Milosevic propaganda and sufferings...
Being a montenegrin it really hurts me to see the serb people suffer, but they really need to prevail from the old mentality and get in the world of reality.
I think the serbs did not suffer enough in order to get a wake up call that people like Milosevc, Nikolic and Dacic are not the best to lead them.

Hmmmm.....it seems that Dacic is trying to show that although he wants the political benefits of being in the EU, he shares the same moral values as Russia. Maybe he is threatening the EU with what Serbia might become if it postpones Serbia's entrance. Serbia's current government certainly is not democratic.

Good for you Serbia!

Serbia is a very victorious state. At least once a year.

"that morality must change simply because time moves on"

The moral issue hasn't changed. The moral issue is peoples' legitimate right to free assembly in public. There is not "right" of retrograde atavism, at least not in the Serbian constitution I read.

And no Mr Dačić this is not a victory for Serbia. It is an embarrassment for Serbia as it shows the world how backwards and intolerant some of us still are, when we should be showing the world that we're a modern 21st century developing and welcoming modern state!
(I'm a Croat and a Muslim, 4 October 2012 10:45)

Modern? What to you does the word modern mean to you? When I am in Bgd, I see people with the newest cars, newest cell phones, fastest computers, latest fashions, drinking the current trendiest drinks, etc

Hahaha, Danilo, a resident Albanian poster here on B92 English, speaking of retrograde atavism, in reference to gay activism in Serbia. There is more backward society in Europe than any land occupied by Albanians, and here we have Danilo preaching to Serbs. Anything to take a negative shot at anything Serbian, eh, Danilo? Tell the truth, how would a Pride parade, or an exhibition with pictures of Mohammed in a dress and high heels, fly in Pristina? Be honest now, Danilo, or will you even respond? Your battle for gay rights is to be commended, but please do it in your Albanian parts of KiM, the gay community has even fewer rights there.

(Zoran, 4 October 2012 13:09)

And theres me thinking that you'd be up for a bit of LGBT pride considering that Homosexuality was invented by your Orthodox Greek brothers. Not to mention that the Bible is full of Homosexuality and Sodomy.

" Take away the subway and the cowards who do not stand up to gay parades and what is the difference between Beograd and New York/Paris/London"


BWA HA HA... well. Belgrade is an occasionally charming but mostly completely dysfunctional vuka jebina, and New York, Paris and London are the world centres of finance, business, culture and entirely vibrant and cosmopolitan places.

Serbs celebrating another loss. What's wrong with Serbs?

Crikey, we've got bigger fish to fry than this nonsense.

Serbia is having every day a new victory with this government.

Nice try, Ian, at a cheap shot of Orthodoxy. There is no more homosexuality, and bestiality , than in Muslim countries, due to their repressive attitudes towards sexuality. BTW, I don't think the Serbian Orthodox church wrote the bible. Jesus, you Serb haters are something else.

Skip the drinks and what is the difference to Tehran? Except that they are stuck in 1979 and you are in 1389.
(Ostrich, 4 October 2012 17:30)

?? Take away the subway and the cowards who do not stand up to gay parades and what is the difference between Beograd and New York/Paris/London.

Why is it always the rights of the tiny minority that are heard the loudest. What about the rights of the majority. It isn't personal or bigoted. One might say it is the minority which is provocative. Minorities must have a say, but also respect the majority in the end

I don't care what the west allow in their countries, we don't want it here period...It was immoral thousands of years ago, it is today and will be for all time.
(Dr. Who, 4 October 2012 15:50)

Why don't you ask your Greek friends about Sparta?

Modern? What to you does the word modern mean to you? When I am in Bgd, I see people with the newest cars, newest cell phones, fastest computers, latest fashions, drinking the current trendiest drinks, etc
(???, 4 October 2012 15:02)

And thanks to B92's Insider we know how all this is being paid for.
And now bury your head back into the sand.
(Ostrich, 4 October 2012 15:47)

How they get the money doesnt matter in this context, point I made which you clearly failed to dispute is Serbs have all the most modern things that every other big modern city has except Serbs have a backbone to challenge disgusting acts of perversion that those other modern cities failed to do.

@Ian UK, your comments are hilarious as much as they are untrue. The fact that there is some evidence of homosexuality having existed in ANCIENT Greece bears no evidence that they invented it, what a stupid statement. And the reason I highlighted Ancient is to explain that Ancient Greeks wern't Orthodox Christians, so another explanation as to why your talking out of your backside.
(SCP UK, 4 October 2012 16:17)

I'm glad you found it hilarious as my comment was regarding the classic old joke about the Greek and the Italian. Surely a Brit like you must know it?

http://jokes4all.net/joke_2862.html

And I hope you're reading this too Questioner.

I never said that Ancient Greeks were Orthodox Christians. I just referred to Greeks as "Orthodox Brothers" as that is what many Serbs refer to them as and Greeks are the apparently the descendants of Ancient Greeks (I know this is debated) and Greeks are stereotypically seen as fanciers of men.

-----------------------

Nice try, Ian, at a cheap shot of Orthodoxy. There is no more homosexuality, and bestiality , than in Muslim countries, due to their repressive attitudes towards sexuality. BTW, I don't think the Serbian Orthodox church wrote the bible. Jesus, you Serb haters are something else.
(ecoman, 4 October 2012 16:30)

It wasn't a "cheap shot of Orthodoxy", it was a joke. Yes you are correct, the Serbian Orthodox Church didn't write the Bible. I'm not a "Serb hater", I just disagree politically with Serbia on some issues.

It's so sad that Serbia has to exist in this state where on one hand, horrific injustice and cover up of genocide has been committed against the Serbs since 1990s, but in response to that, Serbs became more and more radicalised against democracy, diversity and human rights. This reaction is not unusual, the Jews became frighteningly radical after surviving genocide which occurred at the same time as another Serbian genocide, at the hands of Croats and Germans in WWII. It seems to be the consequence of such huge and violent assault, that people turn towards religion, tradition and conservatism. In a way, there's safety in the values of the past, when life seemed simpler, safer, easier to live and survive.

Homophobia is the same as any other reaction to something "different" - disability, physical unattractiveness, fatness, thinness, illness, strange dress sense or anything significantly "unusual" in a certain environment. There's a reflex discomfort at a thought of it, and this is where education and human rights are crucial because they can teach the children from the youngest age that being different is ok. How many children suffer because they are poor of chubby or wear glasses, or have ginger hair or a big nose or their mum is a single mum or they were adopted or... The list of "differences" is endless. It is up to us as a society to teach our children to be tolerant of everyone who is not breaking the law, no matter how "different" they may be.

Problem is, Zoran, maybe I missed the memo or something, but I'm not sure when or who appointed you (or anyone for that matter) some sort of judge of what "is Serbian" or not.

What makes the people who enjoyed the exhibit last night less Serbian than you and who gets to decide.

Zoran, 4 October 2012 13:09)

And as to your concern about the LGTB having images of Christ, well according to some historical sources Jesus was believed to have been gay. The LGBT community have as much right to cliam Jesus as non-gays do. Jesus is believed by some to have been the world's first gay icon. But then again I'm an Athiest and I don't believe that Jesus was the son of God. Was Jesus gay? We can't be sure either way. But one thing is for sure, Jesus is not who he is made out to be. It was only decided in 325 AD at the Council of Nicea that Jesus was the son of God. Before that, he was regarded as just another Prophet. But if the LGBT community want to celebrate Jesus and claim him as their own, then fair game. And I doubt they're intentionally mocking Jesus either, they're just interpreting Jesus differently to you; and they probably find your interpretation of Jesus mocking.
(Ian, UK, 4 October 2012 15:59)

You're pretty funny Ian, you poor, pathetic, modern man. Don't you know that we are all--including Jesus--the Son of God? There is only ONE SON!!!

Danilo,

Your comments on this article are measured and balanced. Well done. Ecoman seems to have real issues understanding the main points of tolerance and compassion (christian values one might say)

I actually agree with Malo Ivica on his decision to ban all public gatherings on Saturday, there is just too high of a risk of someone (or many people) getting badly injured if the pride parade would be held in an open street at this time, no matter how many Belgrade Municipal, MUP and Zendarm. Police Malo Ivica could have present at the parade.

What makes the people who enjoyed the exhibit last night less Serbian than you and who gets to decide.
(Danilo, 4 October 2012 18:46)
--
I'm no judge Danilo but as you know there was a large police presence last night (you know, riot police). That seems unnatural to me so obviously the exhibition was treated as uncultured.

Even though Serbs accept gays living here they don't want it exhibited. Speak to the people and that should be fairly obvious. You should know that, you even showed me a video the other day where it was completely obvious. If you ever go to Dubai, couples showing affection in public is an insult (like kissing). I'm not one to tell them they are wrong and backward, I just accept that as part of their culture. When in Rome, if you know what I mean.

Ostrich

Why don't you??

I don't recall saying that the Greeks were my friends, can you quote me on that then??

I also dont recall telling anyone my religious orientation, one thing might surprise you, I am not Orthodox.

If you are gay I stand by all I have said and I reject homosexuality period.

That's right!
There is just no need for a pride parade in Serbia.
IMO: fine if you are gay but know this you will not get a child so no descendant...
And in Europe as a whole we do not have a big population growth..

"I have to say, well done to Serbia for making another brave decision. This isn't about freedom of expression but rather a provocation. When expression offends, becomes immoral and insulting to a nation then we need to make a stand. "
(Zoran, 4 October 2012 13:09)

Yes, and just like this is immoral, for Saudi Arabia and other muslim countries it's immoral that women drive a car, or being outside their house without burka, or Allah beware, someone dares to publish cartoons in a country far away. Or the immorality of listening to Music, which is a reason for Taliban to kill people.

Sad to see that there are enough Serbs who share the so-called 'moral values' with Muslim countries than the values of human rights and tolerance of a modern, European country.

How they get the money doesnt matter in this context, point I made which you clearly failed to dispute is Serbs have all the most modern things that every other big modern city has except Serbs have a backbone to challenge disgusting acts of perversion that those other modern cities failed to do.
(???, 4 October 2012 16:34)

According to you Belgrade and Tehran make nice bedfellows

According to you Belgrade and Tehran make nice bedfellows
(Ostrich, 4 October 2012 16:52)


So basically you are showing everyone on b92 that you have zero argument and need to make silly remarks just to show you have some sort of comeback.

Again, I ask what makes a city modern. Because those other cities have no backbone they are modern? Is that what you are attempting to say?

Again, I ask what makes a city modern. Because those other cities have no backbone they are modern? Is that what you are attempting to say?
(???, 4 October 2012 17:11)

Your definition of modern: "Modern? What to you does the word modern mean to you? When I am in Bgd, I see people with the newest cars, newest cell phones, fastest computers, latest fashions, drinking the current trendiest drinks, etc"

Skip the drinks and what is the difference to Tehran? Except that they are stuck in 1979 and you are in 1389.

Sad to see that there are enough Serbs who share the so-called 'moral values' with Muslim countries than the values of human rights and tolerance of a modern, European country.
(Comm. Parrisson, 4 October 2012 16:51)
--
As they say, when in Rome. If you ever travel to the middle east, you should respect their culture otherwise don't go. If you go into the Vatican, make sure your shoulders and knees are covered otherwise you don't get in. Don't walk around London naked even if you are a naturist. It is all about respect for ones culture.

So basically, those countries that have accepted gays and their parades, good for them. So they've now moved on and feel forcing their values upon others, who are simply not interested, is appropriate? Don't agree then enjoy our bombs mentality.

Dressing up perversion and disrespect with words such as "modern democracies" is a sad attempt at forcing something upon others. You see, the movie Innocence of Muslims didn't offend me because I'm not Muslim but that doesn't mean it wasn't wrong.

So all of you non-Serbs who don't live in Serbia, since you are not in Rome then do as you please. Don't come here and preach about modernity and such because it has both its good and bad points. Belgrade is a great city with a great soul and culture. If you don't like it, stay away as we don't need nor want you. But since we still have great weather, anyone wanting to catch up for some drinks and good discussion, send me an email -> zorank@email.com

Questioner, you completely missed my point, I was implying that homosexuality isn't something that was invented, rather a defect, thats why I told Ian UK his point about Greeks inventing homosexuality was so ridiuclous.

Zoran hit the nail on the head. I absolutely hate the customs of Islamic countries which closely follow sharia law, however I never visit those countries, nor do I ever try and lecture them on how they ought to live, in their lands they have the right to live how they please. Just as with Serbia, portrayal of homosexuality is opposed by the vast majority, so don't tell Serbs what they ought to accept.

Thanks, Traveller and Nenad for your compliments :)

That's what NATO HQ pays me the big bux for ;)

Great comments, as usual, from Danilo, T, I'm a S/C/M...and several others under related stories. Hold the line, guys! One day, Serbia will make a quantum leap on this "issue" and join the ranks of modern states that have long-since moved on to other matters.

Modern? What to you does the word modern mean to you? When I am in Bgd, I see people with the newest cars, newest cell phones, fastest computers, latest fashions, drinking the current trendiest drinks, etc
(???, 4 October 2012 15:02)

And thanks to B92's Insider we know how all this is being paid for.
And now bury your head back into the sand.

(Zoran, 4 October 2012 13:09)

And as to your concern about the LGTB having images of Christ, well according to some historical sources Jesus was believed to have been gay. The LGBT community have as much right to cliam Jesus as non-gays do. Jesus is believed by some to have been the world's first gay icon. But then again I'm an Athiest and I don't believe that Jesus was the son of God. Was Jesus gay? We can't be sure either way. But one thing is for sure, Jesus is not who he is made out to be. It was only decided in 325 AD at the Council of Nicea that Jesus was the son of God. Before that, he was regarded as just another Prophet. But if the LGBT community want to celebrate Jesus and claim him as their own, then fair game. And I doubt they're intentionally mocking Jesus either, they're just interpreting Jesus differently to you; and they probably find your interpretation of Jesus mocking.

"The fact that there is some evidence of homosexuality having existed in ANCIENT Greece bears no evidence that they invented it, what a stupid statement."
(SCP UK, 4 October 2012 16:17)

Even more stupid to think that homosexuality can be 'invented'. It's as 'invented' as humans 'invented' to walk on two feet, to use tools, to grow plants for food. In a word: Pure evolution, by nature.

Ecoman,

You already asked me this today, and I already answered you today. To me that shows you're not interested in any kind of dialogue, just repeating talking-points that are necessary to buttress your worldview.

I've already told you many times I'm not Albanian. What difference would it make if I were? I already told you I'd disdain just as much if 6000 thugs came onto the streets of Pristina saying "kill the fag". Since that hasn't happened, and also since I don't live in Pristina and have only visited a few times (I'm guessing a few times more than you), it's kind abstract and doesn't have a real impact on me compared to the streets of Belgrade which I walk every day.

Again with the "Albanians society is EVEN more backwards than Serbian". Big deal. I don't understand how you can take any solace or pride in that. It's like arguing which side of sh*t has more or less corn in it. Even if you're right, you're talking about a piece of shit.

Then again, I'm not even sure that what you say is true. Tirana had a gay festival last year with no violence and no need for half of the country's security forces.

They are a shameless display of perversion, where many march in scant costumes, mimic sexual acts, some men dressed as women, with their butt cheeks exposed. Is this freedom of expression, and assembly, or in your face perversion?
(ecoman, 4 October 2012 12:42)

Isn't such a show abuss of children's rights?

What is the big deal? I have nothing against homosexuals and homosexuality, but the argument that it has been observed in animal behaviour is outright stupid. Homosexuality may exist in the animal kingdom, but so do paedophilia, cannibalism and incest. Does that mean all of these things are okay in human society? Regardless, what people do in their own house is none of my business. The problem is the parading in the streets. Why? Homosexuals only do this only to infuriate and provoke the public which finds this uncomfortable. It has nothing to do with human rights; I've never seen anybody get turned down from work because of their sexual orientation. Comparing it to the tribulations of African-Americans and their fight for human rights is almost offensive. To all this talk of the "West" and their "benevolence" to human rights and the homosexual community, you do realise these are the same people who murdered a million civilians in Iraq, not the mention the casualties from the dozen other countries they bombed or invaded? Issues like this and the presidential elections are nothing more than a distraction from real human rights abuses, committed by your own "democratic" governments. In the end, Serbia has every right to ban this parade. If the majority of citizens in Serbia find half-naked men and women making obscene sexual gestures in public offensive and uncomfortable, then the governing body has every right to ban the parade in favour of the people.

"We DID HOLD a gay event in Tirana and it was very quiet."

Well, if it was "very quiet", would you objectively call it a real parade then???? As I understand things, a parade is a celebration where the participants show off themselves and promote their cause. A "very quiet" parade sounds like an oxymoron to me.



"Personally,I dont like gays but they exist and they shouldnt be discriminated just because of their sexual orientation.

I told u guys before.It looks Serbia is theocracy more than democracy,where Irenej is more important than Dacic and Nikolic.
Good night!
(Mirel from Albania, 4 October 2012 23:59)"

I think heterosexual people, who form the big majority in a population, may be offended if a gay parade goes out of its way to promote the lifestle -- for example, parents can be expected to be worried about the influence on their children from a high profile celebration that such a parade entails? And since the heterosexual population form the majority, shouldn't their concerns be addressed?

You talk about democracy. Did you know that if you invoke your freedom of speech and publicly question the existence or magnitude of the Holocaust, you can end up in the courts in those very Western countries that you seemed to put on the pedestal of democracy? And if a parade were to be held denying the Holocaust .......

anti-fascist, I assume you must be homosexual considering you took my comment so personally. If you want, re-read my comment and think of an adequate reply, rather than paraphrasing and writing "derp" followed by "LOL". You do understand that you look like the idiot with your comment?

Less traffic congestion, less police presence, less hooliganism, less chaos, less angry commuters who can't get anywhere because 100 people including Ceda and Kandic need something to do. Most of us wouldn't mind the parade if it wasn't all for show and if the hooligan idiot problem was dealt with years ago. But if the only people going to be upset about this are people that don't live here because it's "not democratic", then I see it as no big loss. We've got bigger problems to deal with.

Zoran.

You're skirting the issue. In the Dubai example you're talking about visitors to Dubai and how they should behave.

I'm talking about fellow Serbs. You're saying "serbian culture this, serbian culture that". The Serbs in the parade and at the exhibit are Serbian too.

I'm not sure how embracing uniformity is something desirable. It ultimately leads to violence, which is plainly evident in Serbia.

I'm not sure how kicking at the "black sheep" in anything positive.

People with gay intentions that live in Belgrade, you should be happy that the Government is banning the parade as this is a pro caution for your safety. Feel free to move to Zagreb where you will find more people like yourselves.

@serbian commentators who are comparing Serbia and Albania about this problem,

There was a Gay Parade in Tirana on May 17,2012 and a gay march or bike ride on May 15,2012.

No violence no incidents.
Remeber that 70% of Albanians in Albania are muslim and nothing happened.
One minister on the gonverment spoke harsh agaiinst gay people.Religious communities(muslim,orthodox,catholic) release a stetement in which they disagree with the Parade or Festival.
Prime Minister Berisha,muslim himself, forcfully supported it.
Everything was over and none is talking about them.

Y u are comparing yourself with a 4 year old state like Kosovo, and dont compare with Albania?
We DID HOLD a gay event in Tirana and it was very quiet.
You COULDN'T do the same in Belgrade.

Check the facts before putting down albanians.

Personally,I dont like gays but they exist and they shouldnt be discriminated just because of their sexual orientation.

I told u guys before.It looks Serbia is theocracy more than democracy,where Irenej is more important than Dacic and Nikolic.
Good night!

You're skirting the issue. In the Dubai example you're talking about visitors to Dubai and how they should behave.
(Danilo, 4 October 2012 21:08)
--
Sorry Danilo, it's not just the visitors that need to respect the culture but the locals demand it otherwise in jail you go. UAE is a friend of western culture and never gets criticised... Please remember that.

Mirel from Albania

What the gay people do in Albania is not our business nor concern 70% Muslim or not, if they trid it in Afghanistan or Pakistan they'd wind up dead and I think you know that.

If the folks in Serbia don't want that behaviour in their streets and cities and the majority don't then they have the right to say no. I don't care what the gay people do in the privacy of their own homes, that is their business but to parade mimmicking sexual acts in public is not on, it is indecent to do so period.

They may allow gay parades in the west but if those people started to act in an inapropriate manner they would be arrested as I'm sure they would in Albania because it would be deemed as indecent behaviour, would you condone such acts in public Mirel? I really am inclined to think that you would not.

Good day to you.

Not everyone against the parade at this time is against gays, I just don't want to see people end up fighting for their life in VMA due to violence.

What is the big deal? I don't have a problem with homosexuality, but I compare homosexuality to sexual abuse, bestiality and cannibalism... Er DERP! LOL...

Some guys here have difficulty in hiding their hatred for homosexuals, but its hard to hide stupidity

Well aint it great,they can trample on the rights of a minority but they dont give two hoots if Neoliberal policies are tearing this country apart. Anyone who does not want them "showing" off thats fine,just give them their rights,thats what they are asking for in this case.Clearly the police can protect a NATO summit held on our soil,but they are obviously too chicken to defend a protest from a bunch of hooligans.For anyone wondering what the terrible amount of money is that the government is spending on these gay demonstrators ,the answer is 2500 British pounds on the construction of a website and other activities.I think people would be a BIT more usefull in directing their anger at these disastrous privatisations by foreign corperations and persons,church/state corruption and self defeating economic policies if you really want to know where our tax money is going.Why dont they react so angrily to pahomije and beat him up?

As I know the pictures of Jesus from that Sweden so called “artist” is forbidden in EU ..why are they do that in Belgrade? Government approved the exhibition organized and ensuring the same... to approved the parade after such a vulgar exhibition that offends Catholic and Orthodox world is something that would really be the least agreement with disrespect religion of the majority of the world population.

Luka you assume somebody who disagrees with your categorizing gays with rapists and cannibals must be a homosexual LOL!!!

Please continue, everybody can see what you are...

" As I know the pictures of Jesus from that Sweden so called “artist” is forbidden in EU"

link please.