Croatia News - CroatiaPress.com

Zagreb, June 28 (CP) – For the seventh year running Zagreb is to host the Gay Pride march that is to take place through the centre of the capital in the early afternoon of Saturday under the motto You Have the Courage.

The goal of this year’s event is heightening the visibility of gay people in society and fight against homophobia, which is till very present in Croatian society.

Many public figures, as well as political parties and individuals like president Stjepan Mesic have given their support to the event, but such courtesy was not ever extended by the ruling Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party.

Some gay activists have said this was not surprising, as the ruling party has portrayed itself through its actions as a homophobic and non-European party.

Although large numbers of police will be guarding the march and its participants, as they did last year, there are fears of violence against those taking part, as last year there have been several incidents of participants being bashed after the march and the police failing to appear at the site on time to protect them.

Also, last year, an individual prepared petrol bombs to throw at those marching, but was stopped on time.