Moscow’s “Gay Propaganda”
His latest of numerous verbal attacks was statement that "propagation of life-style of sexual minorities" was one of the factors in spreading AIDS/HIV in Moscow. This statement was made at the opening of conference "HIV/AIDS in developed countries" earlier in December.
Speaking at an international conference on HIV/AIDS, Mayor Luzhkov said:
"So-called democrats consider that sexual minorities can be the main indicator and main symbol of democracy, but we will in future continue to ban propaganda of the views of sexual minorities.
"Of course, we will be criticised by all democrats in the world but in each society there are own views on that." Maybe by propaganda he means the pictures of gay activists getting bashed by the police.
The Mayor implied gays are behind the spread of AIDS in Moscow and said condoms should not be advertised as 100% safe as "contemporary science" proved they are not.
Moscow Pride organisers have been denied the right to hold an event in May for three years running by the Mayor, who previously referred to gay rights marches as "Satanic."
The news was brought by most of the mass-media, but only tabloid "Vremya novostey" dared to ask for comments professional working with HIV-affected community. Prof. V. Pokrovsky, full-member of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, director of national center of cure and fight against AIDS, questioned the competence of Mr. Luzhkov.
Pride and Percentages
"Only through sustained education of this community, which started already in middle 80's, less than five percent of gays in Moscow are HIV-positive. Such a low figure could be source of pride, as in average Western capital, in similar community, usually 20 and more percent are infected", - said Pokrovsky.
In addition, according to Pokrovsky, Luzhkov's statement that condoms are almost useless in stopping HIV/AIDS transmittion is dangerous discreditation of the only effective mean of protection. "We have to understand that while single sexual contact with an infected partner bears a risk of infection around one percent. Use of condom reduces the risk more than 300 times".
Activists have tried to have the Mayor prosecuted under Article 149 of the Russian Criminal Code for using his political power to prevent legal public events for the LGBT community in the city.
Pride organisers are planning to hold the event in Moscow next May to coincide with the city's hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest.
[Additional information and quotes provided by Arxi in Moscow]
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oh, crap~ Luzhkov is gross! My major in university now is Russian, but I am speechless to that country, I have never been there and I don't want to get a single step on that country either in the future~
what a dick. and not in a positive life-affirming way
eurovison song hate sing-a-long festival?
at tototiger: you really think its necessary to avoid even stepping on Russian soil because of what the mayor has said? small minded I would say. Ive been there and can honestly say I have never felt more at home in my whole life. you'll find a friend in Russia you never thought possible
chayanova wrote on 01/01:at tototiger: you really think its necessary to avoid even stepping on Russian soil because of what the mayor has said? small minded I would say. Ive been there and can honestly say I have never felt more at home in my whole life. you'll find a friend in Russia you never thought possible
it’s not only about watt the mayor said. if you have been to Russia as an openly gay person, you probably noticed all the ignorance and populist hate campaign sustained by the religious lobby and the political lobby. unfortunately the ignorance and fear related to the LGBT community is widespread, just like in Albania or the Baltic countries. and I would kindly remind you that at the past few gay pride events in Moscow, people from the Union also have been arrested, and molested. so it is not a small minded issue to decide based on your gay identity where you want to travel. I personally would never invest my money and my time in a country where I could be arrested on a gay pride, or like you probably know, even punished by death in some other countries. and al doe I know that things are not black and white, unfortunately in the case of Russia, the shades tend to be on the negative side. as for the LGBT community, unfortunately almost everyone is closeted, only a very small minority compared to the size of the population, is out.
we are Human, have a lot of mind, living in countries, living in one world even we are different life style....
You are straight, Bisexual, Lesbi, Homo, gay or anything else life is the same we are human and have things good in life.
So, why the gays will be big problem in social life? so....Stop destroyed for gays or homo/lesbi,..!! i don't want against goverment but please goverment realized for what is a citizen of people...
Fuck Off Goverment for anti Gays !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Europian! Open a visa to EU for Russians that we could come to Amsterdam gay pride!
guys, Russia is a great country with a great culture and traditions. very different from all over the world. and you should see it)) Luzkov is an assor, but lots of people are nice and friendly and they love foreigners... Moscow is not Luzkhov, Moscow is a wonderful city with lots of beautiful places to see. welcome!!
Incredible to think that some countries are so caught up with the times...and other countries are light years behind. Ignorance is deadly when put in the hands of stupid politicians.
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