On Sunday, LGBT activists trying to demonstrate for the right to hold a gay Pride parade in Moscow were blocked by police, who detained dozens.
Protestors gathered near the city council offices were forced to disburse by authorities after “scuffling” with Christian counter-protestors, reports The Washington Post. A second demonstration at City Hall was also shut down, with gay-rights activist Nikolai Alexeyev and others taken in by police. It’s believed 40 people were arrested in all, including a few counter-protestors.
Activists have long petitioned the Moscow government for permission to stage such a parade, but have always been denied. Former Mayor Yuri Luzhkov described gay parades as “satanic,” while current Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has said he disapproves of gay gatherings because they could offend the religious beliefs of many Russians.
Gay activist Galina Kaptur criticized city authorities for treating homosexuality as a contagious disease that would be spread through society if gays were allowed to hold a parade.
“It’s as if they thought that if all left-handed people held a parade, then afterward everyone would become left-handed,” Kaptur said. “This is wrong.”
Legislators are trying to extend St. Petersburg’s “gay propaganda” ban nationwide, which would pretty much make Pride celebrations anywhere in Russia illegal.
Some people are thrilled at that prospect: “I will not allow perverts to bring the wrath of God onto our city,” said homophobic Muscovite Dmitry Tsarionov. “I want our children to live in a country where a sin that so awfully distorts human nature is not preached in schools.”
We feel the same way about the sin of hatred, Dmitry.
1equalityUSA
NOM et al must be over there stirring up hatred. Those automatons are using the same lingo and twisted logic that they spew here. Race baiting, and now Nation baiting. Don’t fall for it.
!what the F**K!!!!
Now is the time for all artists who espouse “gay friendliness” to NOT perform in Russia. Rather than talking the talk -PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTHS ARE!
Well
“Disburse”? Seriously?
Sherri
Sadly, this isn’t surprising. There has been a huge resurgence of Eastern Orthodoxy in Russia, and that makes Catholicism look welcoming and laid back.
What the f**k
And what’s really telling is just how few people are interested in what is such an important post!
a
@Well: Well, budget crises too, are universal!
Mark
Not surprising this is Russia.