Mayor Bans Moscow Gay Parade

MOSCOW, RUSSIA -- Moscow authorities banned the nation's first ever gay parade Monday, saying they could not protect the participants from the violence of homophobes.

The parade's main organizer Nikolai Alexeyev said the city authorities' refusal to allow the parade was illegal and promised to challenge it in court. "The authorities decision is a violation of the Russian constitution," Alexeyev said.

Alexeyev also said that the event, which is scheduled for May 27, will be held in any case. "If they are going to disperse us, let them do it before the eyes of the world community," Mr. Alexeev said.

Right-wing and religious extremists have staged violent protests outside gay clubs and venues recently and forced the cancellation of a culture festival, and many gay and human rights groups are worried about the rising instances of  homophobia in Russia.