Ombudsman criticizes Pride Parade ban

Spot on Mr Janković! The ombudsman is doing his job. All citizens should enjoy the same rights as well as adhere to the same obligations. This government is showing selective behaviour and will because of it run the risk of polarising society. It is wrong.

He is correct and now Serbia is once again being criticized for it's lack of basic human rights. But that is the way Serbia is - only operated the best under communism. Everyone the same with exactly the same and with macho attitudes and from all the comments on this "gay parade" and the fear of gayism in this country it will take years to undue this mentality. This government is to blame for this. In Serbia - no one cares about human rights for any group, physical violence against women, roma, child abuse, different religions or nationalities. Russia is the role model still.

The only thing that will force thugs like Vucic and Dacic to comply with modern Western standards is Western pressure. Hopefully, the Serbian government gets penalized for this at some point during the accession process. That would fit into the pattern of Serbian reform that we've witnessed since the mid 90s: Serbia does something to upset the West, the West asks kindly that Serbia re-examine her policies, Serbia refuses, the West twists Serbia's arm, Serbia complies. Probably sometime around 2100, Serbia will have the same standards and mentality as the city of San Francisco - and believe me, that's a good thing.

"That's why I said that the decision to ban the Pride was 'honest' - it accurately reflects the attitude of those who have passed it and which they have about human rights - 'we will protect the them, but only if we like them and if that does not cause us problems among the electorate," said Janković.

True, unfortunately. And even more honest it would be for the Serbian government to introduce laws regarding homosexuality similar to those in Russia, and not pretending to be an open society and sharing European values with same rights for everyone and respect for basic human rights.

Far be it for me to defend those who made this decision as I believe it showed weakness in the face of threats that ought to have been easily surmounted. However, let's not kid ourselves that the attitudes shared by many involved in this process are exclusive to Serbia. The same attitude is prevalent across the Balkans and is not limited to being anti gay. In Bosnia there has only been a law against domestic violence since 2004 before which it was fine for a man to thump his wife; it reflected on his 'manliness' in the same way that being vociferous about homosexuality does. An MP recently stood up in the Bosnian Parliament and defended his right to hit his wife if she had the temerity not to obey him. I am not 'pro gay' but believe that everyone has the right to express their views freely provided that they are not supportive of criminal or violent actions or slanderous. Being prepared to listen to others' opinions is a far greater mark of being a man than beating one's wife or insulting homosexuals.

tm- what a load of bollocks. Serbia treats it's minorities exceptionally well compared to its neighbours. And you think Serbia should be judged by different criteria to everyone else. This is nothing to do with gay rights, but everything to do with trying to make Serbia look intolerant, which it is so clearly not. Gays in Serbia lead unhindered lives, both personally and professionally. They live in peace in Serbia. The parade is something separate completely, foreign troublemakers supported by the powerful pink lobby to insult the majority and what it stands for eg, family, children, home. Why must they parade anyway? to tell us how wonderful it is to be gay. They are just being bitchy and unreasonable.

Serbs, please agree among yourself and get the propaganda right:

The government says that it was correct to ban the parade because police could not guarantee security.

Some others say that it was correct to ban the parade because Serbia is a conservative and Christian country.

Some others say that it was correct to ban the parade because Serbs are so sensitive to what Western media would have said if some criminals had attacked the parade.

Some others say that it was correct to ban the parade because those parading were not Serbs.

Some other says that it was correct to ban the parade because it was financed by the devil (i.e. West).

Some others say that it was correct to ban the parade because it brings the birth rate down.

Some others say that it was correct to ban the parade because Serbia is so good in respecting the right of gays.

Some others say that it was correct to ban the parade because Serbia doesn't have homosexuals, like in the West. In Serbia, they do not have this phenomenon...

Some people on this site protest too much. Marches are banned everyday somewhere in the Britain. They are banned not only because the police believe there might be trouble, but also because they may cause offense. The English Defence League, a nationalistic English political movement, marches through English towns and cities trying to win support for its cause. Many of these marches are through English towns that have become majority Moslem. Marches through the Moslem districts are almost always banned. Moslem marches and protests are also banned if they offend decency. Moslems are not allowed to protest at the funerals of British soldiers killed in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Belgrade Gay Pride movement is controlled and financed by foreigners who want to destroy Serbian society. It has absolutely no relevance to homosexuality in Serbia. The Serbian public recognise the Pride movement for what it is and they resist it.

Stella: I, like you, do not really understand why there is a pride parade but, unlike you, have no problem with one taking place and do not expect any sort of justification from the organisers beyond their already stated desire to have freedom of speech and assembly. I accept, in fact know, that Serbia is making progress in many areas with respect to tolerating minorities and therefore it is a shame that this high profile event has stolen the spotlight and undone the good work.

Paul, you are quite right that holding a parade is not a human right. The following, however, are:

Freedom of thought, conscience and religion (Article 9 of the ECHR)

Freedom of expression (Art 10)

Freedom of assembly and association (Art 11)

Prohibition from Discrimination (Art 14)

There are exceptions and these include the public safety clause that is being used by the Government as a justification for the ban. However, it is incumbent upon the authorities to do everything possible to ensure that the above rights can be enjoyed and most impartial observers seem to have concluded that this was not the case in Belgrade over the weekend and that the get out clause was simply a convenient excuse to ban a parade that many didn't want held. It would have been better if Dacic had simply said that he and many other Serbs don't like shirtlifters and that a parade would be held over his/their dead body. He would at least have gain some respect for honesty (probably a first).

The government will have enough time to plan protection for the parade by next year.

The current excuse will not be appropriate or acceptable.

'He is correct and now Serbia is once again being criticized for it's lack of basic human rights. But that is the way Serbia is - only operated the best under communism. Everyone the same with exactly the same and with macho attitudes and from all the comments on this "gay parade" and the fear of gayism in this country it will take years to undue this mentality. This government is to blame for this. In Serbia - no one cares about human rights for any group, physical violence against women, roma, child abuse, different religions or nationalities. Russia is the role model still. tm, 1 October 2013 12:30)'

exactly correct. little russia, with reactionary putin as role model. if that's what they want, just join putin-russia, and forget about the EU forever. fascists/commies win, the 'normal' ppl lose per usual...

"This is amazing. Since when is holding a parade a human right? "
(Paul, 1 October 2013 21:20)

Need some lessons in democracy, eh? Ever heard about the right of public assembly and peaceful demonstrations? Obviously not.

This is amazing. Since when is holding a parade a human right? A parade is an exceptional event that can only be held by submitting a request to the proper authorities who may or may not grant the request based on any number of civic criteria. If people want to accuse Serbs of violating the human rights of homosexuals as a minority group, they should look elsewhere, not at parades.

tm- what a load of bollocks. Serbia treats it's minorities exceptionally well compared to its neighbours. And you think Serbia should be judged by different criteria to everyone else. This is nothing to do with gay rights, but everything to do with trying to make Serbia look intolerant, which it is so clearly not. Gays in Serbia lead unhindered lives, both personally and professionally. They live in peace in Serbia. The parade is something separate completely, foreign troublemakers supported by the powerful pink lobby to insult the majority and what it stands for eg, family, children, home. Why must they parade anyway? to tell us how wonderful it is to be gay. They are just being bitchy and unreasonable.

He is correct and now Serbia is once again being criticized for it's lack of basic human rights. But that is the way Serbia is - only operated the best under communism. Everyone the same with exactly the same and with macho attitudes and from all the comments on this "gay parade" and the fear of gayism in this country it will take years to undue this mentality. This government is to blame for this. In Serbia - no one cares about human rights for any group, physical violence against women, roma, child abuse, different religions or nationalities. Russia is the role model still.

Some people on this site protest too much. Marches are banned everyday somewhere in the Britain. They are banned not only because the police believe there might be trouble, but also because they may cause offense. The English Defence League, a nationalistic English political movement, marches through English towns and cities trying to win support for its cause. Many of these marches are through English towns that have become majority Moslem. Marches through the Moslem districts are almost always banned. Moslem marches and protests are also banned if they offend decency. Moslems are not allowed to protest at the funerals of British soldiers killed in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Belgrade Gay Pride movement is controlled and financed by foreigners who want to destroy Serbian society. It has absolutely no relevance to homosexuality in Serbia. The Serbian public recognise the Pride movement for what it is and they resist it.

This is amazing. Since when is holding a parade a human right? A parade is an exceptional event that can only be held by submitting a request to the proper authorities who may or may not grant the request based on any number of civic criteria. If people want to accuse Serbs of violating the human rights of homosexuals as a minority group, they should look elsewhere, not at parades.

Spot on Mr Janković! The ombudsman is doing his job. All citizens should enjoy the same rights as well as adhere to the same obligations. This government is showing selective behaviour and will because of it run the risk of polarising society. It is wrong.

The only thing that will force thugs like Vucic and Dacic to comply with modern Western standards is Western pressure. Hopefully, the Serbian government gets penalized for this at some point during the accession process. That would fit into the pattern of Serbian reform that we've witnessed since the mid 90s: Serbia does something to upset the West, the West asks kindly that Serbia re-examine her policies, Serbia refuses, the West twists Serbia's arm, Serbia complies. Probably sometime around 2100, Serbia will have the same standards and mentality as the city of San Francisco - and believe me, that's a good thing.

"That's why I said that the decision to ban the Pride was 'honest' - it accurately reflects the attitude of those who have passed it and which they have about human rights - 'we will protect the them, but only if we like them and if that does not cause us problems among the electorate," said Janković.

True, unfortunately. And even more honest it would be for the Serbian government to introduce laws regarding homosexuality similar to those in Russia, and not pretending to be an open society and sharing European values with same rights for everyone and respect for basic human rights.

Far be it for me to defend those who made this decision as I believe it showed weakness in the face of threats that ought to have been easily surmounted. However, let's not kid ourselves that the attitudes shared by many involved in this process are exclusive to Serbia. The same attitude is prevalent across the Balkans and is not limited to being anti gay. In Bosnia there has only been a law against domestic violence since 2004 before which it was fine for a man to thump his wife; it reflected on his 'manliness' in the same way that being vociferous about homosexuality does. An MP recently stood up in the Bosnian Parliament and defended his right to hit his wife if she had the temerity not to obey him. I am not 'pro gay' but believe that everyone has the right to express their views freely provided that they are not supportive of criminal or violent actions or slanderous. Being prepared to listen to others' opinions is a far greater mark of being a man than beating one's wife or insulting homosexuals.

Stella: I, like you, do not really understand why there is a pride parade but, unlike you, have no problem with one taking place and do not expect any sort of justification from the organisers beyond their already stated desire to have freedom of speech and assembly. I accept, in fact know, that Serbia is making progress in many areas with respect to tolerating minorities and therefore it is a shame that this high profile event has stolen the spotlight and undone the good work.

The government will have enough time to plan protection for the parade by next year.

The current excuse will not be appropriate or acceptable.

'He is correct and now Serbia is once again being criticized for it's lack of basic human rights. But that is the way Serbia is - only operated the best under communism. Everyone the same with exactly the same and with macho attitudes and from all the comments on this "gay parade" and the fear of gayism in this country it will take years to undue this mentality. This government is to blame for this. In Serbia - no one cares about human rights for any group, physical violence against women, roma, child abuse, different religions or nationalities. Russia is the role model still. tm, 1 October 2013 12:30)'

exactly correct. little russia, with reactionary putin as role model. if that's what they want, just join putin-russia, and forget about the EU forever. fascists/commies win, the 'normal' ppl lose per usual...

Serbs, please agree among yourself and get the propaganda right:

The government says that it was correct to ban the parade because police could not guarantee security.

Some others say that it was correct to ban the parade because Serbia is a conservative and Christian country.

Some others say that it was correct to ban the parade because Serbs are so sensitive to what Western media would have said if some criminals had attacked the parade.

Some others say that it was correct to ban the parade because those parading were not Serbs.

Some other says that it was correct to ban the parade because it was financed by the devil (i.e. West).

Some others say that it was correct to ban the parade because it brings the birth rate down.

Some others say that it was correct to ban the parade because Serbia is so good in respecting the right of gays.

Some others say that it was correct to ban the parade because Serbia doesn't have homosexuals, like in the West. In Serbia, they do not have this phenomenon...

"This is amazing. Since when is holding a parade a human right? "
(Paul, 1 October 2013 21:20)

Need some lessons in democracy, eh? Ever heard about the right of public assembly and peaceful demonstrations? Obviously not.

Paul, you are quite right that holding a parade is not a human right. The following, however, are:

Freedom of thought, conscience and religion (Article 9 of the ECHR)

Freedom of expression (Art 10)

Freedom of assembly and association (Art 11)

Prohibition from Discrimination (Art 14)

There are exceptions and these include the public safety clause that is being used by the Government as a justification for the ban. However, it is incumbent upon the authorities to do everything possible to ensure that the above rights can be enjoyed and most impartial observers seem to have concluded that this was not the case in Belgrade over the weekend and that the get out clause was simply a convenient excuse to ban a parade that many didn't want held. It would have been better if Dacic had simply said that he and many other Serbs don't like shirtlifters and that a parade would be held over his/their dead body. He would at least have gain some respect for honesty (probably a first).