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PortuguêsFar-right groups protested violently against a Pride parade in Bautzen, Germany, with threats requiring heavy police presence. Participants linked the hostility to growing right-wing extremism and the political influence of the AfD party, following the Bundestag's refusal to fly the rainbow flag during Pride events.
Extremist Threats Against Pride Event
In the eastern German town of Bautzen, far-right demonstrators protested violently against a Pride parade, shouting threats including "We'll get you all!" The event required heightened security due to Germany's growing trend of extremist violence targeting LGBTQ+ communities, which earlier this year forced the cancellation of a Pride march in Gelsenkirchen.
Graffiti and Counter-Protests
Anti-LGBTQ+ graffiti reading "Ban CSD" appeared near the parade route, referencing the German name for Pride events (Christopher Street Day). Organizer Jonas Löschau noted Bautzen has become a focal point for far-right demonstrations. This third edition attracted over 2,000 participants, including supporters from across Germany like "Grandmothers Against Right-Wing Extremism" from Munich.
Political Context and Concerns
Approximately 200 counter-protesters gathered near Bautzen station, chanting homophobic slogans like "No right to gay propaganda!" while police maintained separation barriers. Participants expressed alarm about Germany's right-wing radicalization, linking it to the recent decision by Bundestag President not to display the rainbow flag during Berlin Pride - defended by Chancellor Merz as keeping parliament "not a circus tent".
AfD's Influence Grows
Protesters connected the political shift to the rising influence of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, classified by German intelligence as an extremist threat to democracy. Organizer Löschau warned: "We're seeing attempts to restrict freedoms for political gain after years of progress."
