Lithuania bans EU-backed anti-discrimination rally

(VILNIUS) - Officials in the Lithuanian capital have banned an EU-backed anti-discrimination rally at which gay rights groups were planning to hoist their rainbow flag, over fears the event could spark unrest.

The decision to ban the rally, due to take place on Friday, was made jointly by the organisers of the event and Lithuanian police after notices were posted on the Internet calling for "resistance" to plans to hoist the rainbow flag in Vilnius.

The campaign, called "For Diversity - Against Discrimination", is organised in cooperation with the European Union and aimed at promoting tolerance towards minority groups, including gays and lesbians.

One of the highlights of the event was to have been the arrival of a so-called "anti-discrimination" truck, which is touring 19 EU member states.

The 30-tonne vehicle is designed to inform citizens of their rights under EU and national anti-discrimination legislation.

The EU on Monday said it "regrets the decision to cancel the planned event" in Vilnius, saying it was "the first time in the four years the truck has been on tour that a stop has been cancelled by local authorities."

"The decision by the city authorities shows how much still needs to be done to change behaviour and attitudes towards discriminated groups and to promote awareness of diversity," the statement by the European Commission said.