(AP)  VILNIUS, Lithuania – Several hundred gay and lesbian rights activists have gathered for a parade in Lithuania’s capital, attracting a large protest and a bigger police presence.

The activists have planned to march along Vilnius’ central commercial avenue, which has been barricaded and surrounded by hundreds of police, many in full riot gear, to prevent disturbances.

Approximately 200 protesters have assembled on a large central square adjacent to the avenue.

The Saturday parade, dubbed ‘the March for Equality,’ is only the second such event for Lithuania, a predominantly Catholic nation of 3 million people that activists say has not done enough to ensure gay, lesbian, and transgender rights.

Authorities in Vilnius initially refused to allocate the busy downtown avenue to the activists but were overruled by a local court.