Kiss-In Outside Russian Parliament Ends in Blood

Peaceful activists who staged a kiss-in outside of the Russian parliament this week were met with the fists of their Christian opposition.

The activists were attempting to raise awareness about the so-called gay propaganda law being considered in Moscow. The national law, which has the support of President Vladimir Putin, would be modeled after one already passed in St. Petersburg that comes with steep fines against anyone found to be supporting homosexuality in a way that could influence minors. The bill could be considered by lawmakers any day now.

Photos and video of the protest began with embraces but end in blood. Self-identified members of Russia's hardline Christian Orthodox Church claimed credit for the beatings.

See the images and video below.