The downtown march of LGBTIQ (lesbian, gay, transgender, intersexual and queer) persons was joined by Zagreb's residents, politicians and activists, including Foreign Minister Vesna Pusic, Social Democratic Party MP Mirela Holy and Labour Party MP Branko Vuksic.

The motto of the event was "We have a family! The thousand-year-old Croatian dream!" Participants carried banners which said, among other things, "We have nothing against homophobia as long as it's between four walls" and "Let's destroy fascism, let's raise activism".

Addressing state institutions, activist Branimir Luksic said families made up of LGBT persons were a reality. "We ask the government and parliament to legally regulate our status so that the right to a family will stop being the privilege of only some."

Gender equality ombudswoman Visnja Ljubicic said the issue of families made up of LGBT persons' would have to be aligned with European standards sooner or later. "Human rights belong to everyone and we can't deny them to others based on our prejudices."

"I absolutely agree that sexual minorities should have the same rights as heterosexual citizens because the Constitution guarantees that," said MP Holy, adding that their marriage and family rights would soon be equalized with those of heterosexual couples.

Split Mayor and MP Zeljko Kerum was awarded the Homophobe of the Year title, while journalist Boris Dezulovic was declared Homo-friend of the Year.

According to the organiser, this year's Zagreb Pride was one of the biggest so far with about 4,000 participants. Police estimated that between 1,500 and 2,000 people marched in the parade.

The event passed without any incidents.

Security was provided by a little over 400 police.