The march through city streets planned for tonight to mark support for gays, lesbians and transgendered, has been cancelled.

The early evening march had a permit, allowing it to proceed from the Flea Market to Ratu Sukuna Park.

According to organisers, the Fiji Police Force cancelled the permit, saying quote…“we didn’t realise that this was a march for gays and les” unquote.

Organisers also say that according to police, they had received a directive from the Ministry of Defence to cancel the march.

Social group Oceania Pride says they were given the permit to march on the 20th of April by the Fiji Police Force.

The Suva City Council also gave approval for the public procession.

The group says the cancellation of the permit is a violation of the freedom of expression and opinion of the LGBTIQ community, activists, and individuals who were going to march.

Numerous attempts have been made to get a comment from police but no response has been forthcoming.