Bjerre absent from Copenhagen Pride as Frederiksen emphasizes support for sexual minorities

Last year, Equality Minister Marie Bjerre and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen attended the Copenhagen Pride side by side. However, Bjerre is missing from this year’s parade, having stated that she needed a “pride break” in response to Copenhagen Pride’s statements regarding the Gaza conflict. The Prime Minister, as usual, has participated in the parade, which runs through the streets of Copenhagen and Frederiksberg, and commented on her minister’s absence.

“There has been a lot of discussion about this Pride, and people must form their individual opinions,” stated Frederiksen. “I don’t think foreign policy should overshadow today.” She emphasized that support for sexual minorities should take precedence at Copenhagen Pride. When asked about the involvement of the Equality Minister in foreign policy, the Prime Minister affirmed, “Everyone knows there has been discussion regarding the Palestinian issue, and whether that should dictate Pride.”

In January, Copenhagen Pride expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people on its Facebook page, prompting a query to sponsors about their interests in Israel and Palestine. This led several sponsors, including Dansk Industri and Mærsk, to withdraw their support. The situation resulted in the resignation of the former chair of Copenhagen Pride, Lars Henriksen, with the organization apologizing for “poor communication” and clarifying that partners would not be required to answer such questions.

Despite challenges throughout the year, today’s parade, stretching from Frederiksberg Town Hall to City Hall Square, has drawn a large crowd. The Equality Minister’s absence has raised questions about government unity, to which the Prime Minister assured, “Yes, we always speak with one voice.” Alongside the withdrawal of sponsors, various LGBT+ activists have also distanced themselves from Copenhagen Pride, citing inadequate prioritization of human rights.