Mister Gay Europe duikt onder na bedreiging extreem-rechts

Mister Gay Europe 2008-verkiezing moet onderduiken uit vrees voor extreem-rechtse aanslagen

Het gaat van kwaad naar erger in Boedapest. De MGE 2008-verkiezing moet ‘undercover’ plaatsvinden. De politie kan de veiligheid in zaal Copacabana Beach aan de Donau niet garanderen. Het programma is bovendien van de site gehaald. Copacabana.hu is ook offline.

Mr. Gay Europe is forced to move venues to secret locations due to anticipated clashes between the Hungarian police, right-wing extremists and gays celebrating Budapest Pride this Saturday.

The Grande Finale of Mr. Gay Europe was scheduled to take place at the Copacabana Beach on Margit Island in the river Danube. The local producer feels it necessary to relocate to a safe arena in order to secure the Delegate’s security and well-being. This decision was made after advice from local authorities and reliable sources within the police force.

“It is sad this has to happen in Budapest, this beautiful pearl of the Danube, which used to be a safe haven to all neighboring countries. This city has always been regarded as the Paris of Eastern Europe, a place where you could feel free and be yourself,” says the founders of Mr. Gay Europe, Mr. Morten Ruda and Mr. Tore Aasheim.

“We are a bit puzzled that Hungary with its tested past are willing to let a small group of ignorant individuals harm her good reputation throughout Europe. We understand the police’s challenges, and appreciate their support in trying to protect us. I saw their efficiency last year and was mighty impressed,” says Mr. Aasheim

Due to security reasons the official program has been removed from MGE’s homepage. Press and audience will be asked to gather in a safe place, and taken to the new venue where thorough security check will be performed. Press also need to sign up with the accreditation form online to gain access.

However, the proud and brave men of MGE do not give in; they continued as scheduled with the preliminary interviews where they were challenged to the max as they went through. Since Mr. Gay Europe is not a typical beauty pageant, the young men had to prove to the judges that they could put words behind their quest for the title.

Friday night the guys competed with showing off their talents. The Delegate from Northen Ireland surprised the other Delegates and the audience with a “secret weapon”, and took home the price “No. 1 Talent in Mr Gay Europe 2008″. With the help of an angle grinder and a metal plate he made himself into a human firework! Malta and Spain came second and third.

Eerder liet de Noorse ambassadrice, Siri Ellen Sletne, al weten dat ze MGE zal opvolgen. MGE is een Noors initiatief.