Lithuania bans gay festivals in Kaunas and Vilnius

Officials in Lithuania have banned a gay festival in Kaunas which was to take place for two days in the city center near the local cathedral.  Kaunas Mayor admitted that he had recommended his staff to reject application in order to avoid clashes as many residents would be angry with this event taking place near the church. Officially, City Hall said that the application had been filed too late.

In an earlier development, Vilnius Mayor had also rejected a request from the European Commission's Office in Lithuania to allow a parade of homosexuals on the central square of the Lithuanian capital, reports Interfax