RIGA, July 22  –    A Latvian court has reversed the ban imposed by city authorities on the country’s first ever Gay Pride Parade in Riga tomorrow (Saturday).

The decision was handed down in the Riga District Administrative Court this afternoon.

“We salute the decision of the Court and consider it a victory for democracy and reason over prejudice and hate,” said Pride organizers, Gay and Lesbian Youth Support Group.  “It is a victory not just for the LGBT community in Latvia, but for the entire Latvia.”

On July 8, the organizers had applied for – and had been granted – permission from city authorities for the parade.  But on Wednesday, just three days before the event, the authorities reversed their decision following a “hysterical homophobic hate campaign” by political and religious organizations.

Pride organizers do have concerns over security.  “There are various extremist organisations openly expressed their determination to destruct the march and we believe tomorrow will be a serious test for the Latvian police to demonstrate their duty to protect Latvian citizens and their guests – and their right to free and peaceful expression,” they said in a statement.

“Some representatives of these groups attended today’s court hearing and even managed to express threats to the organisers during the hearing break.

“We are delighted that the Latvian court overruled the ban and reminded the Latvian officials, politicians and society, that Latvia is a democracy where all people are equal before the law and deserved the same respect and honour regardless their sexual orientation.”

Organisers also thanked the many throughout the world who had supported Riga Pride, following the ban on Wednesday.

See also
Riga Gay Pride: “A Sad, Sad Day. Society Is Sick” – Juris Lavrikovs (July 24)
Eggs and Abuse Hurled by Protesters at Riga Gay Pride Parade (July 23)
We Are Going Ahead, Riga Gay Pride Organisers Pledge (July 20)
Saturday's Pride Parade in Riga Cancelled by City Authorities (July 20)