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London
Celebrates Pride
Amid
Security Alert
by
365Gay.com From the Web, June 30, 2007
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London -- Neither rain nor the
discovery of two car bombs could deter tens of thousands of people from lining
the streets Saturday for Gay Pride.
The march left Baker Street and made its way through the West End to Trafalgar
Square where gays and lesbians and their friends partied and enjoyed music for
the remainder of the day.
Police met Friday night with Pride organizers with both sides agreeing there was
no need to cancel or alter the celebration. Police said they were
strengthening patrols in the city, however, to reassure the public.
The cars turned into bombs were discovered in area of Saturday's parade -- one
in the entertainment district the other at Trafalgar Square.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said that it is believed the parade
was not the intended target, but "when you are expecting a half-million people
in the area you raise the security net".
Some 350 police officers were assigned to parade duty on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Investigators Saturday were examining tapes closed circuit security
cameras to help identify whoever left the cars. The MET spokesperson said
that the cars also contained valuable evidence.
London Mayor Ken Livingstone was joined by members of Parliament from the Labor
and New Democrats took part in the pride festivities. Members of the Royal
Navy and the Metropolitan Police marched in uniform.
And, like pride marches throughout the world there were drag queens, club boys
and leathermen.
Following the crashing of an SUV on fire Saturday into the main terminal of
Glasgow airport Britain raised its security alert level to critical -- the
highest possible level indicating terror attacks are imminent.
Glasgow police said 2 people, one in serious condition with burns, are in
custody and there was a link to the cars discovered in London.
Europride this year was held in Madrid attracting crowds from throughout the
continent.
The four day festival which began Wednesday wrapped up Saturday with a giant
parade featuring more than 40 floats.
Same-sex marriage became legal in Spain in 2005 and since then some 10,000 gay
and lesbian couples have wed.
Gay Pride also was celebrated Saturday in Paris.
Marchers called for equal marriage rights and organizers said they hoped to
start a dialogue with newly elected conservative President Nicolas Sarkozy.
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