MONTREAL – A reported homophobic assault in late April triggered a “kiss-in” that drew hundreds to Place Valois in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve Monday.
The alleged assault occurred near the corner of Valois and Sainte-Catherine streets on April 30.
Two men were walking to get a drink at a bar when they held hands and kissed in the street.
According to the couple’s police report, a group of about five or six men and women started shouting homophobic slurs and beat the couple up.
The two men, known only as Simon and Sebastien, were at the kiss-in.
When the pair arrived at the bar, the same group of people were drinking there and allegedly chased the men out, again assaulting them.
Police are investigating the incident.
About 300 people turned out to the demonstration in solidarity with the couple.
The demonstration lasted about an hour and involved music and a brief set of speeches.
“I just feel like this shows I have the right to love who I want how I want,” Simon said.