Russian police arrested more than 20 gay rights activists involved in a “kissing protest” on Tuesday:
The AP reports the protest took place outside the State Duma in Moscow. Lawmakers are preparing to pass a bill banning all homosexual "propaganda."
The gay protesters were reportedly outnumbered by nearly 200 anti-gay activists who stood around them:
The police were not able to contain the large crowds, and several activists clashed:
Police then began detaining protesters and brought them into nearby buses.
Journalist Masha Gessen was detained by police:
Detained during antihomophobia protest at Duma. Police refuse to do anything about mDmitry Enteo, who attacked me physically
mashagessen
@mashagessen
Detained during antihomophobia protest at Duma. Police refuse to do anything about mDmitry Enteo, who attacked me physically
Reuters reports:
Journalist and Putin critic Masha Gessen said she was among 24 people being taken to police stations. Moscow police said about 20 people were detained.
The State Duma, or lower house of parliament, was expected to pass the bill later in the day, ignoring Western criticism that it curbs basic freedoms and concerns among activists that it is fuelling hate attacks on homosexuals.
Anti-gay activists were seen singing Orthodox Christian prayers and crossing themselves.
On May 25th, nearly 30 demonstrators were arrested at an unsanctioned rally against the bill:
Watch video from the scene:
View this video on YouTube
The bill will now proceed to the Federation Council and must be signed by President Vladimir Putin.
