Gay Pride events have been held across Europe this weekend.
ADVERTISEMENTGay Pride events have been held across Europe this weekend.
Rome, Italy
In Rome, the atmosphere was jubilant. A law came into force in Italy a week ahead of the march, which recognises same-sex civil unions.
For Sara Signorelli, a gay rights activist in the Italian capital, the ‘Civil Union law’ represents a step forward, but not the end of the fight.
“It took a lot of time for us to acquire simple human rights, such as choosing another human being to live with,” she said. But, we are still far away from the targets we had in mind, in comparison with other European countries. We still have a lot of work to do.”
Athens, Greece
Rainbow flags, balloons and music were in abundance in Athens.
Thousands also took to the streets of the Greek capital, with many floats bearing this year’s slogan: you are not born a man/woman, you become one.”
Warsaw, Poland
An Equality March in Warsaw called for equal rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, including demands for the legalisation of same-sex marriage and adoption rights for gay couples.
Zagreb, Croatia
The marches in both Poland and also in Zagreb, Croatia, come amid increasing right-wing sentiment in the countries. Gay couples in the mostly-Catholic nations say they face mounting challenges and have called for minority rights to be supported.
The events have prompted conflicting views.
Claming that someone else's marriage is against your religion is like being angry at someone for eating a donut because you're on a diet.
— LGBT Pride Quotes (@WorldGayPride) May 18, 2016
In Seoul, South Korea, where a Gay Pride parade also attracted thousands, one woman, said to be from a Christian group, could be seen on the ground with her fist in the air, during an anti-gay protest.
SOUTH KOREA - A member of a religious anti-gay group protests during a Gay Pride parade in Seoul. By @edwardesjonespic.twitter.com/X0EVNLCbiU
— Frédérique Geffard (@fgeffardAFP) June 11, 2016