A small group of Moscow’s gay and lesbian community have defied the authorities and protested against anti-homosexual attitudes in Russia. The march began at the memorial to one of Russia’s greatest composers, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, who is thought to have been gay himself.

They then moved to the offices of Moscow’s mayor Yuri Luzhkov, who has continually refused official permission for the event, calling it “satanic”. Some anti-gay activists hurled eggs and insults, but it was a far cry from last year’s march when British gay rights supporter Peter Tatchell was attacked and beaten up and two members of the European Parliament were arrested.

A number of counter-protestors were detained. Police said they would be given lectures on morality and behaviour.

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