Thousands gather at Helsinki Pride
04/07/2011
Submitted by
ILGA-Europe
Original article: http://www.yle.fi/uutiset/news/20...ather_at_helsinki_pride_2699559.html
A record number of 7,000 people took part in the annual Helsinki Pride march organised to promote the rights of sexual minorities on Saturday. Tough security surrounded the event after a tear gas incident at last year’s march through the city centre.
Marchers started their parade at the Senate Square at 1 pm and continued to a gathering at Kaisaniemi Park.
A variety of events including concerts, parties and discussion panels have been held during Helsinki Pride in order to highlight the rights and culture of sexual minorities. This year’s theme is “love”, say the organisers, who add that the high turn-out reflects the solidarity demonstrated after last year’s events. Then tear gas was sprayed at a group of marchers.
Following the attack, the Helsinki District Court handed down suspended sentences of four months each to three men in their twenties. Prosecutors said many others were involved in the attack but only three were apprehended. The State Prosecutor said a total of 88 marchers were affected by the gas attack.
Helsinki Pride is the biggest GLBT event in Finland. It is held every year on the last week of June and is also one the biggest week-long events in Helsinki attracting some 19,000 visitors. It is arranged by Helsingin seudun SETA ry, a non-profit GLBT organisation in Helsinki. This year’s patron of the event is SDP parliamentarian and former YLE Director General Mikael Jungner.
A record number of 7,000 people took part in the annual Helsinki Pride march organised to promote the rights of sexual minorities on Saturday. Tough security surrounded the event after a tear gas incident at last year’s march through the city centre.
Marchers started their parade at the Senate Square at 1 pm and continued to a gathering at Kaisaniemi Park.
A variety of events including concerts, parties and discussion panels have been held during Helsinki Pride in order to highlight the rights and culture of sexual minorities. This year’s theme is “love”, say the organisers, who add that the high turn-out reflects the solidarity demonstrated after last year’s events. Then tear gas was sprayed at a group of marchers.
Following the attack, the Helsinki District Court handed down suspended sentences of four months each to three men in their twenties. Prosecutors said many others were involved in the attack but only three were apprehended. The State Prosecutor said a total of 88 marchers were affected by the gas attack.
Helsinki Pride is the biggest GLBT event in Finland. It is held every year on the last week of June and is also one the biggest week-long events in Helsinki attracting some 19,000 visitors. It is arranged by Helsingin seudun SETA ry, a non-profit GLBT organisation in Helsinki. This year’s patron of the event is SDP parliamentarian and former YLE Director General Mikael Jungner.
