This Article is From Jul 22, 2017

Thousands Dance Through Berlin To Promote Gay And Lesbian Rights

The annual parade comes several weeks after Germany's parliament backed the legalisation of same-sex marriage in a historic vote.

Thousands Dance Through Berlin To Promote Gay And Lesbian Rights

Music blared out from trucks as people marched out in bright attires in Berlin. (Reuters)

Berlin: Thousands of revellers danced through the streets of Berlin on Saturday, many of them waving rainbow-coloured flags, as they promoted lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights in a Christopher Street Day parade.

Music blared out from trucks as people wearing multicoloured flowers round their necks, bright bows in their hair and costumes including a wedding dress, a candelabra and a Donald Trump mask made their way through the city.

The annual parade comes several weeks after Germany's parliament backed the legalisation of same-sex marriage in a historic vote, bringing the country into line with many other European nations including France, Britain and Spain.

"Same sex marriage is a step in the right direction but there is still a lot to do," said Samuel Monars-Bellmont, one of the revellers.

Christopher Street Day commemorates the riots that broke out in New York in 1969 after police raided a gay bar -- an event seen as a turning point for the gay rights movement. It has been celebrated in Germany since 1979.
© Thomson Reuters 2017
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