Serbia Allows The First Shelter For Gays

Serbian authorities announced plans to set up the first shelter serving and protecting gays and lesbians from intimidation in one of the countries in the Balkan which happen to be very conservative like all the other countries in that region of the world

Dusica Davidovic, an official in the southern city of Nis, about 120 miles south of Belgrade, says the city needs a “safe house” where gays from the area could seek protection.

A 19-year-old Serbian man was kicked out of his home last year after he publicly said he was gay. Stefan Radovic says his family has cut all ties with him and he has nowhere to live.

Serbia has pledged to protect gay rights as it seeks to join the European Union. But the gay community still faces threats and attacks, and attempts to hold gay pride marches have resulted in clashes with extremists.