Viljandi blocks Baltic Pride rainbow display approved in Tallinn, Tartu
Viljandi officials blocked the planned display of a traveling Baltic Pride rainbow banner, citing concerns over community expectations and Children's Day on June 1.
The Estonian LGBT Association had planned to unfurl a large 23-by-12-meter rainbow banner, stitched together from fabric scraps and symbolizing a diverse, inclusive society, in a central Viljandi square on June 1, regional paper Sakala reports.
Despite the Isamaa-EKRE coalition at Viljandi's helm, organizer Eva-Maris Küngas said the city's rejection of the application — which cited concerns that the event would clash with local community expectations and not be "child-friendly" — came as a surprise.
While organizers are considering proceeding with the gathering anyway under Estonia's public assembly rules, Küngas said the move by officials raises broader questions about whether the city's LGBT+ residents are viewed as part of the Viljandi community.
The same event, organized as part of this year's Baltic Pride under the message "Silence Won't Defeat Hate," has already been approved for Tallinn and Tartu, with approval from Narva still pending.
The annual Baltic Pride, organized on a rotating basis between Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, will be hosted by Estonia this year, with events taking place in Tallinn, Tartu and beyond starting May 30.
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Editor: Aili Vahtla
