Ukrainian activists vow to hold first gay pride parade despite ban
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 24 May 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Ukrainian activists vow to hold first gay pride parade despite ban, 24 May 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/51b087d916.html [accessed 3 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
May 24, 2013
By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service
Ukrainians in Kyiv held an antigay rally on May 14.
KYIV – Gay activists say they will hold the first Pride parade in Kyiv this weekend despite a ban.
The "KyivPride-2013" Committee's spokeswoman, Olena Semenova, told RFE/RL that gay-rights defenders have "a plan B" and the event will take place anyway.
On May 23, a court in Kyiv upheld a request by city authorities to ban the march.
Authorities said the May 25 rally would disrupt celebrations for the annual Kyiv Day on the same day.
The court said the rally also risked sparking violence.
Last year, Pride organizers had to cancel the event at the last minute after skinheads gathered at its planned location in protest.
Although Ukraine decriminalized homosexuality in the early 1990s, hostility against gays and lesbians remains rife there and in other former Soviet states.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
