Thousands March in Sarajevo Gay Pride Parade With Foes Staying Peaceful

Sarajevo has become the last Balkan capital to hold its first Gay Pride parade, resisting counter protests and threats against the LGBTQ+ community, giving minorities a voice in the conservative nation.

Anti-sniper units along with over 1,000 police officers secured the event, and although religious communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina – a country that seeks to join the European Union – criticized the parade, they asked followers to remain nonviolent and the event ended peacefully.

“I have always thought that basic human rights should exist for all and when I saw all those hate comments against the Pride march, I felt it was my obligation to come and show support,” said Sanja, 54, from Sarajevo, who marched with her husband.

EU Diplomats along with Bosnia’s U.S. Ambassador, who is gay, participated in the march, as well as several local celebrities including musician Bozo Vreco, known for expressing both the male and female sides of his personality.

“This is a big step forward for Bosnia and Sarajevo, opening the doors towards Europe and the world,” Vreco told Reuters. “I am so proud and happy, I think that love has won today.”