Brussels gay pride parade draws 35,000 participants

BRUSSELS - More than 35,000 people took part in a gay and lesbian pride parade in the Belgian capital Saturday.

Organisers said around 10,000 more people than last year took part in the event, dubbed Belgian Pride Parade and aimed at highlighting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and calling for more tolerance.

Numerous politicians, representing the Socialists, Greens and Liberals joined the colourful procession. Belgians are due to go to the polls June 13.

Belgium is considered one of the most liberal countries, with same-sex marriage being legal since 2003.