St. Petersburg, Russia -
Police in St. Petersburg, Russia detained 67 people after a fight broke out between gay rights activists and their opponents at a rally on Saturday.
The AP reported that several dozen activists who planned to hold a demonstration to mark International Coming Out Day were confronted by roughly 200 conservative and religious activists.
Police waited nearby until the two groups clashed as a pro-gay demonstrator attempted to unfurl a rainbow-colored flag. Opponents drubbed her to the ground and ripped the flag away from her.
"The homophones broke up the action with the help of the police," Natalia Tsymbalova, who helped organize the demonstration, told Reuters.
Police said those detained were from both sides.
Passage of a law in June prohibiting the promotion of "gay propaganda" to minors has attracted international attention as Russia prepares to host the Winter Olympics in Sochi next year.
The AP reported that several dozen activists who planned to hold a demonstration to mark International Coming Out Day were confronted by roughly 200 conservative and religious activists.
Police waited nearby until the two groups clashed as a pro-gay demonstrator attempted to unfurl a rainbow-colored flag. Opponents drubbed her to the ground and ripped the flag away from her.
"The homophones broke up the action with the help of the police," Natalia Tsymbalova, who helped organize the demonstration, told Reuters.
Police said those detained were from both sides.
Passage of a law in June prohibiting the promotion of "gay propaganda" to minors has attracted international attention as Russia prepares to host the Winter Olympics in Sochi next year.
Article provided in partnership with On Top Magazine
