Gays hold parade in Latvia amid tight security

By Jorgen Johansson

RIGA (Reuters) - Gay men and women from Latvia and other European nations held a parade under tight security in a fenced park on Sunday, ensuring there was no repeat of scenes last year when excrement and eggs were thrown at gays.

Latvia, like many other countries in Eastern Europe, has a conservative and often hostile attitude towards homosexuality. Last year, officials banned a Gay Pride march and anti-gay protesters targeted participants at other events.

About 500 people gathered in the park in the centre of the Latvian capital Riga that has a high fence round it. Police were stationed on the park's perimeter.

Small groups of anti-gay protesters shouted insults but there was no violence. Police said two people were arrested over the insults.

Inside the park bursts of The Beatles' song "All You Need Is Love" could be heard.

Politicians from Sweden, Norway, Denmark and the European parliament joined the march. They included Swedish Immigration Minister Tobias Billstrom.

"The fact we can organise this march this year shows there has been an improvement even if we have to do it in a park," said Spanish European parliament member Raul Romeva.

About 1 km (0.6 miles) away, some 1,500 people attended a "World Against Homosexuals" concert. "I am here to show that I don't like gay people," said 19-year-old Peteris Grabs, wearing a "No Pride" T-shirt with a picture of two men having sex.