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Russian police detain five gay activists at rally
June 26, 2010, 5:44 p.m. | Russia and former Soviet Union — by Reuters
Police officers detain a gay rights activist at the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, Saturday, June 26, 2010. Russian police detained several gay rights activists apparently for holding an unsanctioned rally. Two dozens activists unfurled banners and chanted "Homophobia the shame of the country" and "Marriage rights without compromises" before police moved in seizing six people, who offered little resistance.
© AP
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia, June 26 (Reuters) - Russian police detained five gay activists on Saturday during a rally at St. Petersburg's Hermitage museum, a police spokesman said.
About two dozen gay and lesbian activists gathered in the tourist-packed courtyard of one of the world's most famous museums, founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great, carrying banners and chanting "Homophobia is the country's shame."
One of the organisers, Maria Efremenkova, said the Russian government did nothing to protect gays. "You do not notice us and (you) violate our rights and freedom," she said.
Gay activists have been trying for years to get permits for rallying, but to no avail. The organisers of the rally in St. Petersburg were refused five locations, they said.
Homosexuality was punishable with jail terms in the Soviet Union and though Russia decriminalised homosexuality in 1993, intolerance remains very widespread. Polls have shown more than 80 percent of Russians see homosexuality as immoral.
Although the rally was not publically announced, a small group of ultra-right activists came to the square attempting to attack the protesters, local media reported, adding that between four and five of them were detained.
"The city and the country refuse to recognise us as a normal, full-fledged citizens," Efremenkova told Reuters by phone from the police station. "That's the reason why we came today to the Palace Square."
In May, gay and lesbians were able to hold their first protest in Moscow not to be broken up by riot police after eluding security services in hours long game of cat and mouse.
One of the organisers, Maria Efremenkova, said the Russian government did nothing to protect gays. "You do not notice us and (you) violate our rights and freedom," she said.
Gay activists have been trying for years to get permits for rallying, but to no avail. The organisers of the rally in St. Petersburg were refused five locations, they said.
Homosexuality was punishable with jail terms in the Soviet Union and though Russia decriminalised homosexuality in 1993, intolerance remains very widespread. Polls have shown more than 80 percent of Russians see homosexuality as immoral.
Although the rally was not publically announced, a small group of ultra-right activists came to the square attempting to attack the protesters, local media reported, adding that between four and five of them were detained.
"The city and the country refuse to recognise us as a normal, full-fledged citizens," Efremenkova told Reuters by phone from the police station. "That's the reason why we came today to the Palace Square."
In May, gay and lesbians were able to hold their first protest in Moscow not to be broken up by riot police after eluding security services in hours long game of cat and mouse.
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equal rights are human rights, and as more people around the world keep seeing this, your stand for equality will be recognised, keep up you work as more and more will join you
What possible harm could this tiny group do to the Russian People? It is irresponsible to squander the efforts of the police on innocuous activities that occur commonly in nearly every nation in the world. Certainly the Russian People have earned a voice in the international debate?
I don't care what gays do behind closed doors.. they should keep quiet and enjoy their lifestyle.. but I personally will never accept they are normal.. and I want them to stay away from children.. period..
Guest:
There are people living at your level of ignorance in my country (the U.S.) as well. We have no problem accepting such common and ordinary prejudice. And I would also like you to stay away from my children. Your influence would be a very poor preparation for their living in a peaceful world.