Verbal clash breaks out between Pride marchers and group near Belgrade church

A verbal confrontation broke out during the Belgrade Pride march between participants and a group gathered near the Ascension Church on Kneza Miloša Street, N1 reported.

The group opposing the march stood by the church fence as bells rang and shouts came from the churchyard. Some participants shouted insults at the Pride marchers and chanted the name of Ratko Mladić. Those gathered carried religious symbols, images of saints and a photograph of Mladić, along with a banner reading, "No more immorality and gay shame in our lives."

One person near the church tried to cense the Pride participants, while others burned incense. The marchers responded with messages saying "there are more of us and they cannot stop dignity and equality."

“

No more immorality and gay shame in our lives.

Heavy police forces, including riot-control officers, formed a barrier between the groups to prevent a possible confrontation. Shortly afterward, intervention police removed a member of the clergy near the Serbian Parliament. Three other people also broke through the police cordon and were removed.

N1’s reporter described the incident as verbal. The Belgrade Pride procession continued toward Parliament, while the group near the Ascension Church remained in place.

“

There are more of us and they cannot stop dignity and equality.