Russian gays want parade before Eurovision final
19 mins ago
MOSCOW – Russian gay-rights activists say they plan to hold a march and rally May 16 before the final night of the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow.
City authorities have banned gay pride parades in the past and Mayor Yuri Luzhkov has drawn international criticism by describing homosexuality as "satanic." Attempts to defy the bans have ended violently in some cases.
Activists say Eurovision, which will attract international attention to Moscow, is an ideal opportunity to highlight what they call official discrimination against sexual minorities.
Rights activist Nikolai Alexeyev said he filed a request Tuesday for permission to march through Moscow to the square in front of the former KGB headquarters.
19 mins ago
MOSCOW – Russian gay-rights activists say they plan to hold a march and rally May 16 before the final night of the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow.
City authorities have banned gay pride parades in the past and Mayor Yuri Luzhkov has drawn international criticism by describing homosexuality as "satanic." Attempts to defy the bans have ended violently in some cases.
Activists say Eurovision, which will attract international attention to Moscow, is an ideal opportunity to highlight what they call official discrimination against sexual minorities.
Rights activist Nikolai Alexeyev said he filed a request Tuesday for permission to march through Moscow to the square in front of the former KGB headquarters.
