1 May 2012

Coming Out

Today 11 LGBT activists of St. Petersburg were arrested for carrying rainbow flags as part of the May 1st civil rights and freedom march on Nevsky prospect, the city's main avenue.

This year's May 1st march is a peaceful demonstration, permitted by the city administration. LGBT activists were marching as part of a larger "democratic" column, consisting of various democratic and civil society groups of St. Petersburg. Five minutes into the march, police requested removal of the rainbow flags. When activists refused, they were forcefully detained and are now facing charges of "propaganda of homosexuality" and non-compliance with the police.One activist was detained for holding a sign "homophobia is illegal." Eleven activists are still being held by the police. [Read more]