Here is the message of support sent fromt the National Committee of LGBT Labour to the organisers of Belgrade Pride:

"The Labour Campaign for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights (LGBT Labour) of Great Britain would like to express its full support and solidarity for Belgrade Pride and to the LGBT community in Serbia.

Last year Belgrade Pride was under threat from violent extremists but was able to go ahead through support and protection of the Serbian Police. That protection and support was very welcome but same protection is needed again this year.

We urge the Serbian authorities including the Serbian Government, office of the Serbian President and the office of the Mayor of Belgrade to support Belgrade Pride, its organisers and the LGBT community to ensure this event can go ahead peacefully.

Across Europe hundreds of Pride events take place every year, peacefully and with a spirit of fun and community, that enhances the societies they are part of. It is a sign of the progress Europe has made on gay rights and human rights that this happens and that Prides are part of the wider communities’ celebration. It is a sign of hope for the future that these events continue to grow. 

It will be to the credit of the Serbian government, to the advantage of Serbia’s international image and reputation and to the future benefit of the LGBT community and the whole Serbian society for this event to go ahead successfully. 

We look forward to seeing a successful Belgrade Pride this October and welcoming members of the Serbian LGBT community to London for World Pride 2012 to celebrate that success"