Gay pride arrests in St. Petersburg during LGBT rally

On Saturday, Moscow police arrested dozens of gay rights activists and several Russian nationalists during a gay pride rally.

The gay pride parade took place in a public area in St. Petersburg, designated towards demonstrations. According to the Associated Press, while the space did not need to be approved by city officials prior to an event, due to anti-gay laws the rally was banned beforehand.

The new laws, which was passed last month, prohibits public displays of homosexuality. Providing information about lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders (LGBT) to minors or at rallies is an offense and has a fine of up to 5,000 rubles or $156 for individuals.

During the rally Russian nationalists and anti-gay protesters clashed with the LGBT activists, chanting phrases like “Sodomy will not pass.” Several LGBT activists were badly beaten, some suffering injuries.

According to the Gay Star News, around 60 LBGT activists were arrested and could be detained for up to two days.

Prior to the rally on Friday, several LGBT in St. Petersburg tried to protest the anti-gay laws by trying to obtain marriage licenses, but were turned away by authorities.

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