Who's On-Line Now?

Saturday 27 May 2006

What century are we in?

While working hard today, yes really, I saw a story on Sky News about Moscow's banned Gay Pride march today. The mayor had banned the parade, but around 100 people decided to go ahead with the march and risk arrest, including our own Peter Tatchell. All the marchers wanted to do was show themselves unashamedly in public and to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Shocking, eh?
Today was chosen as it marked the 13th anniversary of Russia decriminalising homosexuality. Apparently 50 gay activists have been arrested and 20 protestors.
It was barbaric the way some of the anti-gay protestors were acting.
One guy was peacefully trying to talk to reporters when he was mobbed by a crown and a fist came in over some heads and punched him in the face.
There were also 2 guys standing minding their own business when an old Russian woman walked up to them with a plastic bag over her hair, for some reason I couldn't fathom, and spat at one of the guys.
I mean, I know most of Russia is perceived as being antiquated and behind the times, but not in the centre of Moscow, which by the way is the only major capital city in the world that doesn't hold a regular Gay Pride event.
Russia, here is an invitation, come and join the 21st century!

Despite everything, a couple of things did make me laugh.

One anti-gay protestor was quoted as saying that all the homosexuals should be gathered up and sent to a remote island. Sounds like a fantastic holiday to me, though Siberia would be less inviting than, say, Fire Island or Gran Canaria!
The other thing was the name on the back of the law-enforcement officers at the event. There was one word "OMOH" what does that say when see in a mirror? I don't know what it means though. Can anyone tell me?

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