(Riga) The city government of the Latvian capital of Riga refused on Wednesday to grant a parade ... Latvia Cancels Gay Pride..

(Riga) The city government of the Latvian capital of Riga refused on Wednesday to grant a parade permit for a gay march this Saturday, citing security reasons, despite a call by the US ambassador to allow the parade to go on.

Riga city council voted Wednesday to refuse the permit after police and the federal government said there could be violence again this year following a series of protests this week by opponents of LGBT rights in Latvia.

Media reports say that Bailey urged Jaundzeikars to allow the pride celebrations to go ahead. (story ) Bailey was quoted in the local press as saying that the US supporteddemocracy, human rights and tolerance in Latvia.

Jaundzeikars followed the meeting with a sessionwith Russian Orthodox leader Nikolajs Tihonirovs who called for the governmentto step in and demand the parade be called off.

Following the meeting Tihonirovs told reportersthat "The event should not be allowed to takeplace at all as it offends morals of Latvia's population and every Christian. Itis a challenge and provocation against our religions."

Last month the Latvian Parliament strippedsexuality from its non-discrimination law. (story )President Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga vetoed the measure and returnedit to Parliament with instructions to reinstate the protections. Parliament hastaken no further action.

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