Serbia: Belgrade to open gay shelter
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 18 May 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Serbia: Belgrade to open gay shelter, 18 May 2012, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/4fbcc8edc.html [accessed 18 May 2013] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 18, 2012
Belgrade's mayor says the city is setting up a shelter for gays and lesbians rejected by their families.
Mayor Dragan Djilas said it was "shameful" that people give up on their children because of their sexual orientation.
Homophobia is widespread in Serbia despite government pledges to protect gay rights as part of reform needed for Serbia to join the European Union.
Rights group Gay Straight Alliance said in a report on May 18 that violence and harassment against the homosexual population is on the rise in the Balkan country.
A gay-pride rally last year was canceled due to the threat of violence, and more than 100 people were injured in violent clashes during the 2010 rally.
Based on reporting by AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
