Around 1,200 people marched around a public garden as Latvia’s capital Riga staged, its Gay Pride yesterday – after two previous attempts. Gay men and women from across the continent journeyed to the Eastern European capital in solidarity with their embattled ‘brothers and sisters’ for the peaceful event. Among those taking part were a number of politicians from across the continent — from Spain to Finland. Raül Romeva, a vice president of the European Parliament’s ‘Intergroup” for gay and lesbian rights, described the Pride as “a marvellous achievement”. “I am very pleased that it went smoothly,” he said. “The Riga authorities did a good job in making sure that the event ran smoothly and without any trouble.” But comparing Riga Pride with other Prides in Europe, he said that having it in a park was a bit like “being in a zoo”. “It’s a good start,” he was quick to point out. “Perhaps in the future Riga Pride will be through the streets of the city. “Mozaika [the Pride organisers] and the city can be proud of today,” he added. Security was tight. Special fencing was erected around Vermanes Gardens, which was completely sealed off. Participants were searched by police before they entered the area, but there were no complaints. At one stage, a ‘No Pride’ skinhead supporter tried hurling homophobic abuse at the parade. But he was quickly taken to task by several of the hundreds of police, including ‘riot” police, present. Not shy of poking a little fun at the Polish government and their official investigation into the sexuality of Tink Winky from the children's TV programme TeleTubbies, many brought a Tinky Winky to the Pride. “I think Tinky Winky is perhaps the official guardian of the Rainbow Flag in Europe,” joked a participant from Sweden. There were flags aplenty, banners, slogans and lots of colour. A picture gallery of the event is available to view on the link below. Related links: http://ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/07/June/0301.htm Ref: UK Gay News (m)