Kosovo Government building will not light rainbow pride colours for the first time in six years

Gazeta Express

15/05/2020 17:46

Kosovo’s caretaker Government headed by Albin Kurti is hesitating to light the government building in rainbow pride colours, marking 17 May, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.

Organisations representing the LGBTI community have officially asked that on 17 May, the main government building in Pristina reflect the pride colours. However, the caretaker Government of Kurti is hesitating to make such a move. Arber Nuhiu of the CSGD Organisation, speaking to online media Kallxo.com said that initially their request was approved, but two days later the Government officials have rejected it.

The Government building was lighted up with the rainbow pride colours regularly every 17 May since 2014. “Last week we filed a request with the Office of Good Governance, within the Prime Minister’s Office, asking them to colour the Government building on 17 May, an activity which happened regularly since 2014. On 12 May, the Office of the Good Governance has confirmed that our request has been approved and on 17 May starting at 20:00, the Government building would reflect the rainbow pride colours. On 14 May we have received new email, informing us that the option to light up the government building has failed, and the Prime Minister’s Cabinet asked us other options,” Nuhiu said.

Last month supporters of Kurti’s party –Vetevendosje have attacked sexual orientation of the US special envoy on dialogue, Richard Grenell. In an interview with Gazeta Express, Grenell said that “he feels proud of being gay.” Furthermore, PM Kurti was among few politicians who never attended the “Pride Parade” organised annually by the LGBTI community in Pristina. /GazetaExpress/