Gay pride marches in Europe marred by homophobia

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

PRAGUE (AFP) — Tens of thousands joined gay pride marches across Europe on Saturday but homophobics spoiled the party in the Czech Republic and Bulgaria where scores were arrested for disrupting events.

Czech security forces were forced to intervene after right-wing extremists moved in on a parade in the country's second city Brno, leading to 15 arrests as tear gas was thrown, police said.

Several dozen black-clad extremists tried to break up a planned two-hour march through the city centre by gays and lesbians. The right-wingers threw eggs and fireworks into the midst of the marchers as they gathered in a central city square, local media reported.

Fifteen people were detained by police and two charged with breaching the peace, police spokeswoman Andrea...