The Freedom and Justice Party, Ne davimo Beograd movement, alliance Together for Serbia (Zajedno za Srbiju) and the Democratic Party support the upcoming Euro Pride which will be held in Belgrade in September, it was told by those political organizations to Danas.
The interlocutors of Danas agree that the Constitution of Serbia guarantees equal rights to all citizens. Also they condemn those socio-political actors who would like to ban any manifestation and public speech about the discrimination that people of different sexuality face in Serbia.
Among those who stand out in such discriminatory positions in the parliament are Dveri, Zavetnici, the New Democratic Party of Serbia, and due to unclear position, the People’s Party can also be placed in this group. Namely, although Vuk Jeremić, the president of the People’s Party, says that he has nothing against the LGBT community, he nevertheless expresses his opposition to the holding of the Euro Pride, all the while emphasizing that the president of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, is “responsible” because this international event is being held in Belgrade.
Jeremic also opposes the legalization of the same-sex unions and that members of the LGBT community acquire the right to adopt childre. In his last public appearance, according to some part of the public opinion Jeremic stigmatized the gay population, pointing out that Euro Pride should not be held because of the so-called monkeypox epidemic.
Aleksandar Jovanović Ćuta points out for Danas that he advocates for the same rights of all citizens, regardless of diversity, as prescribed by the Constitution and laws of Serbia.
“If you ask me if I-m supporting Euro Pride, I only have this to say – the same rights for all citizens” – our Jovanovic said.
The Freedom and Justice Party believes that every citizen who thinks that any right has been threatened or denied to him has the right to express his protest in any kind of peaceful way
Mila Popović, president of the alliance “Zajedno” committee group in the City Assembly says that they think that Euro Pride should not be banned, and that the State has an obligation to ensure that the entire event passes without any violence and inconvenience, for the organizers and participants.
“It would be much better for our society if we would deal with tolerance and respect all kind of differences, every day of the year, not just this one day. Only such an approach can make some serious progress when it comes to the need to enable the LGBT population to solve the numerous problems they face every day. No citizen of Serbia can have fewer rights just because of their preferences or characteristics – concludes Popovic.
According to Biljana Đorđević from Ne davimo Beograd, as every year, that organization will support and participate in Pride, and this time, she notes, together with their colleagues across Europe.
“The issue of LGBT rights for us is the issue of the universal rights of all citizens to celebrate, protest, walk and do whatever they think is necessary to draw attention to their problems or celebrate their important dates. As a green-left organization, it is very important for us to emphasize the social character of the fight for equal pay, fight against discrimination and giving support for the establishment of a safe house in Belgrade for members of this vulnerable group” – says Biljana Djordjevic.
According to Dragana Rakić, the vice-president of the Democratic Party, the position of this political organization regarding the holding of Euro Pride is clear – there is no debate to what extent the Constitution should be respected.
“The Constitution of the Republic of Serbia prohibits any form of discrimination and guarantees the right to freedom for all citizens, including members of the LGBT population. Anyone who feels that their rights have been denied has the right to peacefully protest and express their views. Democrats have always fought for respect for human and minority rights and freedoms. So far, we have supported the organization of every pride parade, and it will do the same this year – concludes Rakic.
Goran Miletić, the coordinator of “Euro Pride 2022” and director of Civil Rights Defenders, has recently pointed out that it does not seem that extreme circles are connected to the authorities, but also that very clear support for Pride and Euro Pride is always something that is missing and must exist in a decent society.
“ It is unclear how any democratic government can be in any way against a peaceful public gathering of one of the most discriminated groups in society”, says Goran Miletić.