
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.
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