Moscow, September 20 (Interfax) - Gay rights activists say they will hold a rally on Tuesday despite a ban demanding that Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov step down.
"The organizers intend to protest despite the decision made by the Moscow authorities," organizers said in a statement issued on Monday.
Activists planned to hold the rally in front of the mayor’s office, but the Moscow authorities refused to give permission, saying it was impossible to ensure security.
Organizers have said the ban goes against Article 31 of the Russian constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.
Luzhkov has refused to allow gay pride marches and has publicly called homosexuals "satanic."
