Other events in Baltic States

Despite the rain, several hundred people went on ''Baltic Pride 2012'' gay parade in downtown Riga on June 2, LETA has observed.

Those marching in the parade, which is being organized by the Latvian alliance of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transsexuals and their friends "Mozaika'', were holding rainbow flags, as well as flags from Estonia, Russia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus and other countries.

People were also holding posters with slogans such as ''For love between people!'', ''Equal rights everywhere!'', and ''We are having fun, come join us!''.

There was also a large police presence, with many onlookers observing the parade.

Opponents to the parade were in much smaller numbers than in previous years and no major incidents have been reported.

Also participating in the event was U.S. Ambassador to Latvia Judith Garber.

Only several opponents of ''Baltic Pride 2012'' gay parade came out to demonstrate outside Vermanes Park, who greeted marchers with jeers and showed rude gestures, LETA observed.

There were approximately ten demonstrators, much less than in previous years, holding various signs against homosexuality.