Russian city approves Pride and then bans it again

Tomsk was set to become the first city in Russia with a Gay Pride parade. However, the mayor changed his mind out fear for the gay propaganda ban and that children would be exposed to ‘’unconventional sexual relationships.’’
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According to a prominent LGBT+ activist in Russia, Nikolay Alexeev, Tomsk Pride was set to take place on July 24th. In a letter he received from the government, it says that the Pride was allowed to take place as long as it would not be in immediate proximity of the schools. He was also asked to organize the Pride between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. in order to eliminate road traffic.

Unfortunately, Alexeev later received a letter in which they withdrew their permission. The mayor allegedly wants to protect children from ‘’unconventional sexual relationships.’’ The fear for the gay propaganda ban in Russia was also a factor, fearing that the parade would be seen as propaganda. Because of this the town would not be able to ensure the ‘’safety’’ of its participants.

This is not the first Russian city where Alexeev asked permission to organize a Pride parade. With his campaign, he is trying to persuade 378 cities in Russia to permit a Gay Pride. Every city that rejects his request will be involved in an ongoing case that, eventually, will be heard at the European Court of Human Rights.
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