Violence at First Gay Pride Parade


Violence at Lithuania's First Gay Pride Parade


LITHUANIA GAY RIGHTS MARCH X390 (GETTY) | ADVOCATE.COM
A violent attack marred Lithuania's first gay pride parade on Saturday, where about 400 people marched for equality in a sealed off area of downtown Vilnius.

More than 1,000 protesters threw smoke bombs and tried to break through the barrier before being stopped by police firing tear gas, according to the Associated Press. Unable to pass the barrier, protesters then started throwing rocks and street signs at police. Two Lithuanian lawmakers were detained after trying to climb the barrier, and a Catholic mass was held at the nearby national cathedral to pray for the gays.

Eight-hundred police officers were put on duty to secure the event. They detained 19 people.

Michelle Garcia

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