Gay pride parade photos 2012

Cities around the world are hosting pride parades this weekend.

In Split, Croatia, about 900 police officers watched over the 500-person parade in an attempt to prevent violence that marred last year’s celebration, Reuters reported.

Croatia due to join the European Union next year, and a visiting EU delegation said it would be watching the parade closely.

Many politicians also marched in the parade, an event called an important display of the country’s commitment to human rights and social freedom.

“We have to be here to show that we’re the country where the laws are respected and that we will not allow violence or discrimination based on racial or ethnic grounds, on choice of life style or any orientation,” Foreign Minister Vesna Pusic told Reuters.

Tel Aviv hosted its pride parade on Friday, with 30,000 in attendance, AFP said.

“This parade is very special because Tel Aviv is one of the only places in the Middle East where we can openly show our differences and, more important, be tolerant with each other,” Rohan Ebanks, a visiting American, told AFP.

As many as 400,000 people are expected on Sunday in West Hollywood to march in a parade led by actor Molly Ringwald.