Russian Gays To March With Or Without Approval

[davidinalameda]

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/05/051506mospride.htm

Organizers of an LGBT festival planned for later this month submitted forms Monday officially requesting permission to hold a gay pride parade in the Russian capital.

Mayor Yuri Luzhkov announced in March that if the group filed a parade request it would be denied. (story) At a news conference Monday Nikolai Alekseev, one of the organizers of Moscow Pride, said the march will go on with or without official approval.

Russian Patriarch Alexy II has denounced the planned festival and parade, and the leader of Russia's Muslims has called for a "violent mass protest" if gay leaders go ahead with Pride celebrations. (story)

Earlier this month police had to form a human chain to hold back more than 150 skinheads and Russian Orthodox Church supporters from rushing a gay event at a Moscow club. (story)