Moscow Mayor Bans
"Gay Propaganda" to Squash HIV

Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov has banned "the propoganda of sexual minorities' opinions" because, he says, gays spread HIV/AIDS.

"Some home-grown democrats consider that sexual minorities are a major indicator and symbol of democracy, but we will continue to ban the spread of their views," Luzhkov said Thursday, according to Reuters.

Moscow-based Gay Russia, the country's leading gay rights advocacy group, says Luzhkov's statements don't come as a shock.

"We have to remember that the mayor of Moscow is one of the most homophobic politicians in Russia," the organization said in a statement. "For three years Yury Luzhkov has prohibited holding gay pride marches in the Russian capital."

The mayor has prevented several gay rights parades and demonstrations, despite Russia's decriminalization of homosexuality in 1993, a decade before the United States. However, the legislative act has done little to help social differences. Gays are often relegated to sex clubs, but cannot show affection in public without risking violence or condemnation. (Michelle Garcia, Advocate.com)