Rome, Zagreb, Warsaw, Athens: Gay Pride Across Europe

Many Gay Pride celebrations are taking place this weekend. One is in Rome:

"Costumed demonstrators carrying rainbow flags and signs reading 'freedom for all' attacked the conservative government of Premier Silvio Berlusconi. They demanded rights for same-sex couples and the recognition of gay marriage. Activists dressed as fake clergy with colorful hats and signs reading 'No Vatican' protested what they say is the church's excessive influence on Italy's policies."

One thousand took to the streets in Warsaw (right), 2,000 in Athens.

Zagreb, Croatia had a similar spirit but a much different tone (photo below):

"In Croatia, another mostly Roman Catholic country, about 500 gay activists marched through Zagreb. No violence was reported, but about 50 people held a counterdemonstration and shouted anti-gay slogans. One was led away by police after trying to break through a cordon that authorities had created around the Gay Pride parade to protect it."

Video of today's parade in Rome, AFTER THE JUMP (warning: nsfw moments)...

A Violent Homophobe Croat Ex-Con Speaks of Hatred for Gays

Javno interviewed Josip Situm, who was recently released after spending 14 months in prison for throwing a Molotov cocktail at a group of Gay Pride participants in Zagreb in May 2007.

Said Josip:

"I did what 70 percent of Croats would do, if they had the courage to do so! I don`t remember anyone who did not congratulate me...If they believe that they can rape this city with their sexual orientation in the spirit of democracy and freedom of life, why would others not be able to display their objection in the spirit of the same democracy? Well, do they expect us to throw confetti on them as they strut in their parades?!...

"My goal was to end that procession by throwing Molotov cocktails and try to make an impact so that they are no longer held, because they represent a disgrace for this society. Even though it was not my intention to seriously injure anyone, the verdict was passed as a precedent, i.e. as an example to others...I grew up in a Catholic family where directions in life exclusively follow dignity and what can serve as an example for others. Being a homosexual, insisting on same-sex marriages and adopting children is something that does not suit my point of view or religious beliefs. I believe that nobody`s, not even my own child, should not be exposed to such immoral surroundings. Also, I am a patriot who knows how to appreciate the sacrifice of my father and other fathers who shed blood for our freedom, and I now that there are too many disempowered and desperate people on the brink of poverty whose live their life humbly, they don`t harass anyone or parade in the city for their rights...As far as gay activists are concerned – no. My position is still the same, except that today, after prison, I know that I can`t change the world. Still, I would like to apologise to all the people who were there by accident that day and who witnessed the incident."

Previously
Croatian Gays March Despite Taunts and Violence [tr]

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