Fridae

On September 5, the Russian capital will be celebrating its city day with parades, festivals and other events. All except one group ? gays and lesbians. Despite numerous pleas to his office for permission to hold a Gay Pride Parade, popular Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov has flatly turned down all such requests, reasoning that such an event would equate to ?propaganda of dissipation?. He was noted to have commented that homosexuality goes against traditional moral values of most Russians, as well as the canons of the main religious confessions in the city.

To further reinforce his stand, he was also quoted as saying: ?The city government will not allow holding this march in Moscow on the Day of the City or on any other day, because such demonstrations outrage the majority of the capital's population and force upon society unacceptable norms of behaviour.?

Homosexuality was considered a crime in earlier Soviet days. While it has become more widespread in the rapidly changing East European nation, homosexuality is still not accepted in many areas.

Mayor Luzhkov has gained popularity due to his efforts to improve the state capital, making it relatively wealthier than other Russian cities. He is also applauded for large-scale renovations which is lifting Moscow out of its post cold-war image. Yet he is also criticised for a registration system which requires non-residents of Moscow to seek a permit to live in the city. Some officials believe this violates other Russians? constitutional right to choose their place of residency.