Brussels
September 13 2022
The Serbian government announced today a ban on Europride which should be a historic milestone for LGBTI rights in the Balkans and in Europe.
The European Green Party is appalled by the decision of the Serbian government to ban Europride. The leadership of the European Green Party will be present in Belgrade to support the Serbian and European LGBTI communities.
Mélanie Vogel, co-chair of the European Green Party and French senator, comments:
"The announcement of the ban of the Europride by the Serbian government is very bad news. It sends the wrong signal to the LGBTI community and to all human rights defenders in Serbia and across Europe. Thousands of activists are already on their way to Belgrade. Those marching for human rights, and for our common European values, deserve full respect for their rights and the engagement of public authorities to protect them. We cannot accept letting violence, hatred, and threats win over peaceful assembly.
Everything has to be done to ensure that the Europride march can take place and that a solution is found.
We are very proud that the entire European Green Party leadership and together with the Green Family will still gather in Belgrade to support the Europride and the LGBTI movement."
Thomas Waitz, co-chair of the European Green Party and MEP, adds:
“Aleksandar Vučić entertains the image of an anti-democratic and reactionary Serbia. Belgrade citizens have shown in the recent elections that they want an open and progressive city and country, Europride was a clear milestone towards these developments.
Instead of promoting tolerance and human rights, Vučić embraces the divisive far-right rhetoric of fear and hatred.”
END
Valentin Dupouey
Head of the Communication Unit / Press Officer
E valentin.dupouey@europeangreens.eu
T +32 (0) 485 93 99 26
European Green Party
Rue du Taciturne 34, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
www.europeangreens.eu
