Thousands march in Serbia gay pride parade

Riot police clashed Saturday with soccer hooligans in downtown Belgrade, where a pan-European Pride march was held despite threats from anti-gay groups and an official earlier ban on the march in the traditionally conservative Balkan state.

Hundreds of Pride March supporters, meanwhile, gathered a few kilometers away in the pouring rain, dancing and singing their march was held on shortened route. U.S. Ambassador Christopher Hill was among the participants.

As the column passed by a church in central Belgrade, bells constantly tolled, reflecting the Serbian Orthodox Church's staunch opposition to the Pride events.Participants in the march then headed to a concert.