Moscow Gays Protest Russia's New Propaganda Ban

[steve2470]

Source: Voice of America News



MOSCOW — Moscow’s gays and their supporters rallied Wednesday with rainbow flags -- only 24 hours after Russia’s Parliament passed a law that effectively bans gay-pride parades or speaking publicly in defense of gay rights.

The gays marched amid an anti-Kremlin opposition rally that drew about 10,000 protesters to a Moscow park.

Between the red flags of the communists and the black flags of the anarchists, the gay activists walked bunched together, waving their rainbow flags, but appeared visibly nervous. They eyed the black uniformed police that cut occasionally through the marchers.

Vitaly held a brightly colored gay-rights sign. But he talked with a nervous stutter.

Read more: http://www.voanews.com/content/moscow-gays-protest-russia-new-ban-on-gay-propaganda/1680404.html

[DonRedwood]

1. Brave People

My best to them in their battle for equality.

[David__77]

2. "We are easy to kick, so they are kicking us."

Now, why is that? Strength in numbers. Physically intimidate your opponents, while keeping within the limits of the law. I didn't grow up gay in Russia, but in this country, which is easier; nonetheless, I know a thing or two about making oneself not "easy to kick."

There's no way to have a gay rights demonstration in Russia without the threat of real bodily harm, but it's still important - good for them.

I would think at least the "anarchists" would ally with them, and maybe some communist youth to the left of the old KPRF.

[totodeinhere]

3. Why is that country so homophobic? They are going against the tide

in most Western democracies. Shame on them.

[awoke_in_2003]

4. The soviet union was never gay friendly...

since its collapse the orthodox church has resurged, so that isn't helping. If you don't think the church has power, remember that the ladies of Pussy Riot were basically imprisoned for blasphemy.

[totodeinhere]

5. Thank you. But fundamentalist churches in this country are also

powerful and this country does not have a history of being gay friendly either. Yet we are finally making progress. I also believe that the march of gay rights is unstoppable world wide and it will eventfully come to Russia. If you had told me not too long ago that gay marriage would be legal in several US states with more on the way I would have thought you were crazy. And some may think I'm crazy for predicting the same thing for Russia, but that is my prediction.

[awoke_in_2003]

6. I should have worded it differently...

The Soviet Union was brutal to homosexuals. 80 years of systematic intolerance, followed up by a resurgent church is going to engrain the hate into the society as a whole. And, when it comes right down to it, Russia is still a very backwards country.