ROMANIA
Ambassador Assures MEP On Bucharest Gay Pride Parade
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LONDON, May 27 – The Romanian Ambassador has assured a British MEP that the Bucharest Pride Parade has been issued with a permit and will definitely go ahead tomorrow. Michael Cashman, an MEP for the West Midlands and chair of the European Parliament’s Gay and Lesbian Intergroup, said this morning (Friday) that he had spoken with Ambassador Dan Ghiberena. |
 ■ Michael Cashman MEP |
“[The Ambassador] promised that the Gay Pride could be held as previously scheduled,” Cashman said.
Romanian officials appear to be playing down the matter. The only comment coming officially from the embassy in London this morning is that the GayFest Parade is going ahead tomorrow and the fact has been mentioned on Bulgarian television. “We don’t have any further statement,” said press counsellor Dr. Sorin Baciu.
However, activists in the Bucharest gay community were not so hesitant.
“Thank you so much for your support,” said Florin Buhceanu and Rev. Elder Diane Fisher in a joint email sent to supporters worldwide this morning.
“The hundreds of phone calls and emails received by the mayor of Bucharest and the president of Romania made a huge difference. Yesterday, the mayor’s commissioner gave permission for the march and announced that they will provide for police protection.
“This decision is an historic first step for the LGBT community in Romania, in gaining visibility. We truly appreciate all the international support we have received and know that you will be with us in spirit as we march on Saturday.
“We march for freedom, we march for tolerance, we march with pride and for all of those unable to be with us, we march because we must,” the email concludes.
Last night, it emerged that President Train Basescu had personally intervened, virtually ordering Bucharest mayor Adrieau Videanu to grant a permit for the parade.
Earlier in the week, it emerged that Mayor Videanu had refused organisers a permit, after his officials had agreed the parade route.
LINKS
Accept Romania website
From UK Gay News Archives
Moldovan Authorities Ban Gay Rally Outside Parliament
Mayor Puts Damper on Gay Pride Parade in Warsaw
Warsaw’s Gay Pride Parade To Go Ahead Despite Mayor’s Ban
… And Now
Bucharest Falls Foul of Officialdom
Romanian President Steps In to Save Bucharest Gay Pride Parade
27 May 2005
