WATCH: LGBT Russians Arrested, Antigay Protestors Undisturbed
Judging by police behavior surrounding several demonstrations that took place in Russia in the past 24 hours, the country's ban on so-called gay propaganda only extends to those taking a pro-LGBT stance, not those spreading antigay hate.
Four LGBT activists were arrested in St. Petersburg as they attempted to unfurl a banner quoting the Olympic Charter's promise of sport without discrimination, reports BuzzFeed. The activists were unexpectedly surrounded by police as they approached the site of their picket, a bride in central St. Petersburg. They intended to hold a banner that read "Discrimination is incompatible with the Olympic Movement. Principle 6. Olympic Charter," but police interrupted the demonstration as the activists tried to snap photos with the banner. Some activists suspect government officials were spying on private phone conversations, since the planned protest was not publicized and only those involved were aware that it was taking place.
According to a Facebook post from the Russian LGBT Network, the activists included Anastasiya Smirnova, Aleksandra Semenova, and a pregnant woman. All four activists were taken to the 16th precinct police department, where they were reportedly released around 9 a.m. Pacific today. The activists were charged with "participation in an illegal public assembly," according to a post on Smirnova's Facebook page. While she was still detained, Smirnova managed to post a poignant question on Facebook: "Detention for a photo with a banner — isn't it an amazing way to celebrate the Opening of the Games? #CheersToSochi," she wrote.
Just hours later, as many as 10 LGBT activists were arrested in Moscow's Red Square as they sang the Russian national anthem and waved rainbow and Russian flags.
http://www.advocate.com/sports/2014/02/07/watch-lgbt-russians-arrested-antigay-protestors-undisturbed
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