THEORY OF REVOLUTION

Russian Police Detain Gay Protestors At May Day Celebration

Police in St. Petersburg, Russia, detained at least 17 LGBT-rights advocates today during a May Day celebration, the result of the city’s new gay-propaganda ban.

A spokesperson for the activist group Coming Out  said numerous protestors had been detained across the city after waving rainbow flags and charged with not cooperating with police. Earlier this month, two activists were the first to be arrested under the statute when they held signs stating “Gay is Normal” outside the Palace of Youth Creativity.

The law—which bans the presentation and promotion of LGBT material to minors—has been criticized by international observers as being unjust and vague, but similar measures are being considered across Russia.