Authorities in the capital of Russia's republic of Komi have rejected an initiative by local activists to hold a gay-pride parade on March 31.
The Syktyvkar city administration announced on March 26 that it was responding to "requests from the city's religious and public organizations not to allow public events propagating [lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender] values."
The statement also said Syktyvkar Mayor Ivan Pozdeyev requested that city lawmakers prepare a draft law banning any similar events.
A year ago, lawmakers in Russia's second-largest city, St. Petersburg, passed a law that imposed fines for "promoting" homosexuality.
The initiative was supported by several other Russian cities.
In January, the State Duma approved a bill in its first reading that would outlaw gay-pride parades.
The Syktyvkar city administration announced on March 26 that it was responding to "requests from the city's religious and public organizations not to allow public events propagating [lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender] values."
The statement also said Syktyvkar Mayor Ivan Pozdeyev requested that city lawmakers prepare a draft law banning any similar events.
ALSO READ: Refugee Portrays Strength, Struggle Of Gay Russians
A year ago, lawmakers in Russia's second-largest city, St. Petersburg, passed a law that imposed fines for "promoting" homosexuality.
The initiative was supported by several other Russian cities.
In January, the State Duma approved a bill in its first reading that would outlaw gay-pride parades.
