■ Riga Gay Pride: “Co-operation with the police was very constructive, and we very much would like to praise their professionalism.” - Linda Freimane of Mozaīka. photo: UK Gay News

RIGA, June 6, 2007  –  Mozaīka, the Latvian alliance of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexuals (LGBT) and their friends, is very pleased about the “March for Equality” which took place in Vērmaņdārzs Park in Rīga on June 3, 2007, as part of their “Friendship Days 2007” festival.

“We are very pleased that this year the march took place in a completely different political climate than the one which prevailed in 2005 and 2006,” the group said in a statement today.

“This time, senior politicians in most cases demonstrated political far-sightedness and an understanding of the right of free assembly and free expression in a democratic society.  They also refrained from making any statements that might exacerbate the already hostile and intolerant attitude which many people in Latvia present vis-à-vis LGBT people.”

Mozaīka was quick to praise Latvia’s law enforcement structures for the constructive, timely, productive and thoughtful negotiations which took place in advance of this year’s march.

“These structures were helpful and professional during the “March for Equality” and afterward,” the statement said

“This year the situation has changed in a positive direction,” said Mozaīka board member Linda Freimane.

“This year the situation has changed in a positive direction. Latvia’s courts have clearly confirmed that the right of free assembly rests with everyone.

“The political elite this year did not try to dispute this principle, and there was no talk of banning the march,” she continued.

“Co-operation with the police was very constructive, and we very much would like to praise their professionalism.

“Last Sunday we saw how our government not only declared the principle of free assembly for all who are peaceful, but also carried out their duty of ensuring that this fundamental democratic principle be applied to a group of people whose concerns and views need to be presented to the broader audience.

“At the same time, we very much regret the critical lack of tolerance and respect toward others which prevails in Latvia,” she said.

“Is it tragic that the government must spend enormous amounts of money just so that one group in society can enjoy its constitutionally guaranteed rights without being disturbed by radical and hysterical mobs of people who know nothing other than to use their fists and to yell out vulgarities,” Ms. Freimane pointed out.

“We believe that this reaffirms the need for our work and our presence in Latvia.  There must be a serious and extensive discussion, and if we are not visible in the public arena, then there will be no debate, no understanding, respect or acceptance vis-à-vis those who are different.”

Mozaīka also thanked all those who were present, or who supported the ‘March for Equality’, making sure that it occurred in an atmosphere of harmony, friendship and celebration.

“These are, first of all, LGBT people, their friends from Latvia, and our co-operation partners who ignored threats of violence or psychological attack – something which all too often occurs in Latvia’s public discourse,” the group’s statement said.

“All of our friends and supporters demonstrated self-respect, solidarity and courage.  We also thank our partners, supporters and friends from abroad – European politicians, representatives of non-governmental organisations, and many individuals from Europe and other continents who felt that participating in Latvia’s LGBT festival was important enough for them to travel all the way to Rīga.”

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