You're reading: Court bans gay pride parade in Kyiv on May 25

Kyiv's District Administrative Court has satisfied a petition by the city authorities to ban the holding of any events, other than those envisaged by the program for the celebration of Kyiv City Day, on May 25 in the central part of the city.

 

The court issued a respective ruling on Thursday.

After the court passed its decision, representatives of the
organizing committee of Kyiv Pride 2013 reported that they would appeal
against this ruling

As earlier reported, the organizing committee of Kyiv Pride 2013 and
representatives of LGBT-organizations notified Kyiv’s authorities about
holding the Equality March on May 25. The action is aimed at overcoming
discrimination and achieving equality for all social groups and
minorities in Ukraine. The claimed number of participants totaled about
500 people.

However, on May 21, Kyiv City State Administration received 10
reports about holding of rallies in the protest of any events planned by
LGBT-organizations. The organizers stated about 39,000 people would
participate in the action. Over 500 appeals from the citizens and public
organizations demanding a ban on the Equality March were registered.
Over 10,000 people signed these appeals. Moreover, 61 MPs demanded head
of Kyiv City State Administration through court restrict holding of any
thematic street events of LGBT-society through May-June 2013.

However, on May 25, city authorities scheduled about 200 city and cultural events to celebrate Kyiv City Day.

Taking into account all of the mentioned facts, the authorities have
many times asked the organizers of the Equality March to postpone the
planned march. However, the organizers refused to change the date.
Saying that it needed to ensure the appropriate level of city and
cultural activities for the celebration of Kyiv City Day, Kyiv city
state administration appealed to the courts.

The public relations department said that Kyiv city state
administration is ready to ensure the proper holding of rallies,
processions and demonstrations by all organizations and citizens, as
guaranteed by the Article 39 of the Constitution of Ukraine. However,
the city authorities must act according to the law and take necessary
measures to ensure state and public order, and protect the lives and
health of the public.

On May 22, the organizers of the Equality March claimed that they
would refuse to hold a gay parade if Kyiv city state administration
banned it.

“No, we won’t violate the law. We’re ready to act only in cooperation
with authorities and the police,” the organizers said in a statement.