St. Petersburg: gays won a case against the city

in: http://www.ilga-europe.org/


Local court recognized the recent bans of peaceful LGBT demonstrations on the grounds of the "propaganda law" as unlawful.

Yesterday, May 31, Smolninsky district court found unlawful administration's refusal to authorize the peaceful LGBT rallies for Day of Silence (March 7) and the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (May 17). The recent law against "propaganda of sodomy and lesbianism" amongst minors was used as grounds for denial in both cases.

According to judge Matusyak, the administration lacked the competence to judge whether the rallies were going to constitute "propaganda of homosexuality", especially before they actually took place. She also drew administration's attention to the Federal Law "On Assemblies", according to which the administration has no authority to deny a public rally, only to suggest a different time and place.

The defendant provided no explanations.

The reasons for the court decision will be made public on June 12.

Although a reason to celebrate, this ruling does not guarantee future rallies would not be banned.

Release in Russian: http://www.comingoutspb.ru/ru/news/viigrali_sud


http://www.ilga-europe.org/