Bosnia's second LGBTI Pride postponed due to Covid-19

REUTERS/Dado Ruvic

The second Bosnian LGBTI Pride march has been postponed due to Covid-19 pandemic, the organizers said on Thursday, adding that it will be held as soon as the epidemiological situation in the country becomes more favourable, of which they plan to inform the public in due time.

“We are postponing the second Bosnian Pride parade, as a mass public protest for human rights, for the time when the epidemiological situation in the country will be more favourable, and we will inform the general public of the new date in due time,” the organizers said in a statement.

“It is important to emphasize that as activists we are aware of the fact that during the pandemic, repression of freedom of public assembly became more pronounced. Therefore, in solidarity with all groups that are prevented from exercising the right to freedom of assembly, we will organize public thematic discussions in the coming period that will challenge and deconstruct the issue of the right and freedom of assembly,” they noted.

Because of the importance of the struggle and threat to the rights and daily life of LGBTIQ persons who are an inseparable part of the Bosnian society, the Pride will still be marked on August 23 but through different activities, of which the organizers said they would inform the public as well.

They claim that it is of utmost importance to point to these issues, as well as the social and structural violence.

“That is why we will continue to fight to change institutional practices and laws, to ensure equal treatment for all, including the LGBTIQ community. In a spirit of solidarity, we call on all those on the side of the fight for human rights to contact us and be part of the fight and actions to which we will dedicate ourselves in the coming period. We will not give up the fight for freedom and a better life for all, because no one's life is or can be subjected to only their four walls,” te organizers concluded.