Russian Anti-Propaganda Law Used To Prohibit Free Assembly

Last month, St. Petersburg, Russia instituted a “gay propaganda” law that essentially criminalizes any public activity that promotes LGBT acceptance. That law is now being applied to prevent the group Coming Out from holding an International Day of Silence street protest in what seems to be a blatant violation of the freedom of assembly. The gay rights group has appealed the decision to a regional court and has vowed to take the case to the European Court of Human Rights, if necessary. Despite the ban on the rally, activists plan to protest in the center of St. Petersburg on Saturday with slogans like, “”Homophobic hatred kills teenagers!”, “Two moms is normal! Two dads is normal! Mom and dad is normal!”, and “No to silencing of hate crimes!”