Vitaly Milonov, the conservative Russian member of Parliament responsible for crafting Russia’s gay propaganda law, wanted to interfere with the gay pride parade set to take place in St. Petersburg on May Day. Thanks to St. Petersburg police authorities, he wasn’t able to. Some 90,000 pro-gay marchers took to Nevsky Prospect last Friday to gather in peaceful protest, calling for LGBTQ equality.
Milonov (right) and a group of fellow right wing conservatives attempted to organize a counter protest and block the queer marchers, claiming that they were in violation of Russia’s law banning positive depictions of gay people. Milonov included minors in his counter protest in order to argue that those marching in the pride parade were purposefully hurting the children with their presence.
Local authorities tasked with maintaining security during the gay pride parade weren’t buying Milonov’s reason for gathering and were explicit in telling them to leave. Milonov’s group was ordered to let the gay pride procession makes its way through the city unobstructed, though the crowd of bigots made sure to trail the pride marchers.
Check out footage of the St. Petersburg protests AFTER THE JUMP…
