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Mr Switzerland banned from Europride
By: Nigel Robinson
Over 50,000 celebrated Europride
Over 50,000 celebrated Europride
Over 50,000 came to Europride in Zürich but Mr Switzerland wasnt one of them
This year, the annual gay pride festival, held each year in a different European city, coincided with the fortieth anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York which marked the beginning of the modern-day gay rights movement.
On Saturday Corine Mauch, Zürich's openly lesbian mayor, started the rainbow-coloured parade of twenty-five floats and marchers which made its way from the shores of Lake Zürich, down the exclusive Bahnhofstrasse, and into the heart of the picturesque old town.
Despite the weather, more than 50,000 party-goers celebrated in and around the Münsterhof square which played host to a varied line-up of live acts, dance music and political speeches.
However, Andre Reithbuch, current holder of the coveted title of Mr Schweiz – or Mr Switzerland - failed to appear.
The 22-year-old carpenter, who has a girlfriend, and is supportive of gay rights, had originally agreed to address the crowds.
However the organisers of the popular male beauty pageant banned him from appearing, worried that his attendance might lead to speculation about his sexuality.
Reithbuch’s place was taken by a previous holder of the title.
Also appearing at Europride in Zürich were Ernst Ostertag and Röbi Rapp who have been together as a couple for fifty years and were awarded with this year’s Stonewall Award for services to the Swiss gay community.
