By Rex Wockner
International News Report
One of the 25,000 celbrants at the Pride festival in Fribourg, Switzerland, July 3 |
Twenty-five thousand people turned out for Switzerland's French-
language gay pride July 3 in the city of Fribourg, including
Minister of the Economy Pascal Couchepin.
Head of state Ruth Dreifuss sent a message urging activists to
push for homosexual integration via thought, debate and fun.
Swiss French pride moves to a different cantonal capital in the
French area of the country each year. Another pride celebration
is held in predominantly German-speaking Zurich.
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"Three or four years ago, it would have been unthinkable that the
city of Fribourg would host such an event," said correspondent
David Haerry.
"Fribourg is well-known for having one of the most
prestigious Catholic universities in Europe and the influence of
the church on local politics is considerable. The organizers
asked participants not to dress as nuns or clerics, a request
that was respected."
In London, 65,000 people marched, according to the BBC. They set
off from Hyde Park, passed Trafalgar Square and Parliament, and
ended at Finsbury Park in north London where a music festival
featured Boy George, George Michael, Human League and Bjorn
Again.
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More than 600,000 people celebrated in Cologne, Germany, July 4,
police said. Two hundred thousand marched and nearly half-a-
million watched.
Health Minister Andrea Fischer told reporters: "The fact that I'm
in the procession means that the German government considers it
necessary and high time to improve the rights of homosexuals and
lesbians."
Three thousand people marched in Marseille, France, July 3,
demanding, "Yes to a partnership law, no to homophobia." A large
party followed at the Docks in the port area.
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Related Stories from the GayToday Archive:
Rome: 10,000 Singing & Dancing Celebrate Pride
Hong Kong to Celebrate First Pride Day
Pride Around the World
Related Sites:
Fribourg Pride
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