Moscow city authorities have refused permission for a Gay Pride march scheduled for later this month, a day after gay rights activists suffered injuries after being assaulted during and after a demonstration in St.Petersburg. The Moscow march was to have included a protest against recent anti-gay legislation adopted in some Russian regions. Among them is a law banning the 'promotion of homosexual lifestyles' in the presence of children. LGBT activists in Russia call the law "homophobic," and say it violates their human rights. In St Petersburg around 100 gay activists had gathered to release rainbow coloured balloons for a pro-gay rights demonstration. However, a larger crowd of anti-gay protesters, some wielding Orthodox Christian crosses, chanted death threats and sprayed mace at one of the demonstrators. Police escorted the gays onto buses, but a large group of shaven-headed men sporting football and neo-Nazi attire blocked their path. They threw smoke grenades then broke the busses' windows with rocks and clubs. They then climbed inside, punching and kicking the activists. Witnesses report that gunshots were heard.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 19th May 2012 - 10:10pm