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Minister for Europe disappointed by decision to ban Belgrade Pride Parade

Minister for Europe David Lidington said the Serbian government has failed to meet its responsibility to protect and promote the rights of all its citizens.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Commenting on the decision by the Serbian governemnt to ban the 2012 Belgrade Pride Parade due to take place on 6 October, the Minister for Europe said:

“Every government has a responsibility to protect and promote the rights of all its citizens, not least those marginalised by society. In banning the 2012 Belgrade Pride Parade, the Serbian government has failed to meet that responsibility.

“Human and minority rights - including the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people - and fundamental freedoms of association and expression are cornerstones of all democracies. They are enshrined in Serbia’s constitution and laws. And they are European values, enshrined in the Council of Europe of which Serbia is a member, and which must be embraced by current and by future EU member states.

“Cancellation on security grounds means that those threatening violence have won yet again. Only with commitment and leadership can the Serbian government ensure this does not happen again in future.”

Published 4 October 2012