British Embassy statement on the occasion of the 2011 Belgrade Pride Parade
2011 Pride Parade statement
Serbia has made significant progress in prohibiting discriminatory behaviour and in promoting tolerance. These values are enshrined in the Constitution and in Anti-Discrimination Law. Serbia's commitment to protect these rights, including sexual orientation and gender identity, was demonstrated last year in creating the conditions for the 2010 Pride Parade to take place. That the Parade took place successfully, in the face of violence from a thuggish minority, is a testament to this commitment.
This year's Pride Parade is scheduled for 2 October. We welcome the cooperation that has already taken place between the organising committee and the authorities, and we reiterate our call to the Serbian authorities to ensure that people who wish to take part in the parade can do so, and can assemble and express their views safely. We, like many local and international observers, are concerned by the number of threats against the parade, and by abuse and incitement from public figures against the LGBT community. We call on the Serbian authorities to undertake all necessary measures in order to protect this event.
Recognition and protection of the rights of the LGBT community, along with all citizens, extend beyond a single event. We remain concerned by the persistence of anti-LGBT rhetoric from some public figures and by the lack of sanction for those who encourage discrimination and violence. We look forward to full implementation and enforcement of Serbia's anti-discrimination commitments, including those enshrined in recent legislation. And we hope to see more active and constructive discussion, all year round, between LGBT organisations, politicians, the media, and wider civil society.
EU High Representative Catherine Ashton reaffirmed the principle of non-discrimination, which requires that human rights apply equally to every human being regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity, on the occasion of the International Day against Homophobia in May this year. By endorsing and aligning itself with this statement, the Serbian government has shown a very welcome commitment to the defence of these fundamental values.