Pride in St. Petersburg

Despite legal obstacles, including those created by the new 'anti homosexual propoganda' law, and police interference, it has been reported that gay and lesbian rights activists will attempt another gay pride event in St. Petersburg this year. 

The European Court of Human Rights is due to give its judgment in Aleksandr Vladimirovich Lashmankin and Others v Russia which contains a complaint against the St. Petersburg authorities for refusing to allow gay men and lesbians to hold peaceful assemblies. 

As a sign of protest about the ongoing curtailment of sexual minorities' freedom of assembly in Russia, Amsterdam City Council will fly a rainbow flag when Russian President Vladimir Putin visits the city next week. 

I am writing a piece for the European Courts website, which will appear next week, about the rise of anti-propaganda law in Russia and how the ECHR is useful in addressing it.