Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Moscow city hall allows for the first time holding a Gay Pride

The mayor of Moscow has allowed for the first time to hold a Gay Pride in the Russian capital, said, Tuesday, April 26, the organizer Nikolai Alexeyev, president of the association Gayrussia. So far, Russian authorities refused rallies in defense of gay rights. The event, which 500 people are allowed to participate, will take place May 28 Bolotnaïa in the center of the Russian capital, but away from main thoroughfares of the city, according to Mr Alexeyev.

"We call them Russians to be more tolerant towards gays and lesbians, and we'll talk about the contribution of members of our community culture," said Alexeyev. Homosexuality is no longer a crime punishable by law in Russia since 1993, but homophobia is still very present in the population.

The Russian capital is not alone in having allowed a Gay Pride. The mayor of St. Petersburg said on Tuesday, have also permitted a gathering of gay activists on May 1. The latest attempt by Gay Pride in Moscow had resulted in serious violence against the demonstrators. Last example in June 2008, when a parade of Russian gay movement had been the target of insults and beatings of protesters against extreme-right and orthodox.

The attitude of the Russian authorities have already received several warnings. Most recently, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has upheld its decision of October which stated that banning such demonstrations amounted to discrimination and a violation of the right of assembly.

No comments:

Post a Comment