The organizers of Moscow Pride have invited Mayors Bertrand Delanoë of Paris and Klaus Wowereit of Berlin, who are both gay, and Mr Livingstone of London, to attend Moscow Pride on May 30-31.

Last year's event was banned and gay protesters, including Peter Tatchell and Right Said Fred singer Richard Fairbrass, were physically attacked by a homophobic mob.

In a letter to the three Mayors Nicolas Baev and Nicolas Alexeyev said:

"Knowing and respecting you as prominent supporters of civil rights for LGBT people, we would like to invite you to take part in the human rights conference and manifestation for LGBT rights and against homophobia which will take place in Moscow on May 30th and 31st 2008."

"You always support the fundamental right of homosexual people to openly manifest and to publicly express themselves.

"All of you also regularly take part in Gay Pride parades in your own cities.

"Unfortunately, Russian LGBT people have no such an opportunity to manifest and openly protest against homophobia and in support of their civil rights.

"Their constitutional right to freedom of assembly is constantly violated by Moscow city authorities.

"Taking into account the bans of the public Pride events in the Russian capital in 2006 and 2007, we are not sure that Mosow Mayor Luzhkov will permit Gay Pride manifestation this year.

"We appeal for your help and your sincere support for the third Moscow Pride which will celebrate 15th anniversary since decriminalisation of homosexual relations in Russia.

"For the third year in a row, Moscow Pride will be attended by several European politicians.

"Please take part in our conference and rally.

"This could principally change the situation in Moscow.

"This would give us a real chance that our civil rights will be respected by Moscow administration and that violence will be avoided."

In an interview with PinkNews.co.uk last year, London Mayor Ken Livingstone said that he might attend Moscow Pride, as long as it didn't clash with the London Mayoral election in the beginning of May.

Last update: 03-20-2008 13:52