Montpellier Pride cancelled in wake of Nice attack over security fears
By Will Stroude
Only hours after 84 people lost their lives in Nice’s tragic incident at the Promenade des Anglais last Thursday (July 14), Pride festivities were set to begin in fellow south coast city Montpellier.
In the wake of the attack, which saw French citizen Mohamed Bouhlel drive a lorry into crowds enjoying Bastille Day celebrations, the Montpellier Pride Association took the decision to cancel their annual Pride celebration, leaving the expected 20,000 guests with out their annual celebration of LGBT equality – France’s second biggest outside of Paris.
Montpellier Pride Association President, Vincent Boileau-Autin, declared he intended to postpone the event over security concerns, and out of respect for the lives lost.
“The authorities, indeed, cannot guarantee the safety of the public festivities that were set to happen,” Mr Boileai-Autin said.
A member of the committee added: “We have responsibilities over the people attending the Montpellier Pride. We also need to take on board the grieving period.”
22 years after the city’s first Pride event, which began Montpellier’s ascent as one of France’s most gay-friendly locales, Mr Boileau-Autin concluded: “There was lots of tears and sadness today, but we will bounce back.”
Words: Salomé Baudino
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