MOSCOW – Russian police say they detained at least 30 gay rights campaigners and their opponents at an unsanctioned rally in Moscow.
The campaigners tried to unfurl banners denouncing the Kremlin-backed homophobic legislation in front of Russia’s lower house of parliament, but were attacked by Orthodox Christian vigilantes carrying icons and crosses.
Russia’s lower house of parliament voted in January for a bill that makes public events and dissemination of information about the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community to minors punishable by fines of up to $16,000. The bill still awaits final approval.
Russia decriminalized homosexuality in 1993, but homophobia remains strong in the country. Government critics and gay rights activists claim that the Kremlin and the powerful Orthodox Church encourage vigilante groups to attack gay rallies and parades.
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