Gay rights activists were arrested in Russia on Saturday during a demonstration that was deemed illegal under a new piece of legislation that prohibits the distribution of "gay propaganda."
According to the Associated Press, prolice officials called the gay rights rally that happened in a public demonstration space, was in direct violation of the law, which bars public displays of homosexuality, especially when children are involved.
Around 200 anti-gay nationalists chanted phrases like "sodomy will not pass" at the activists, throwing eggs and rocks at about the 40 demonstrators that had assembled there.
An anonymous police official told state-run Itar-TASS news service that officers on the ground took a few dozen people into custody for their crimes. Eight nationalists were also arrested.
Police officials told the Associated Press that city authorities forbade the protest a few days before it was scheduled to happen, as it was reportedly in violation of the new "gay propaganda law." The space where the demonstration occurred is a public one, and does not require the approval of city authorities for use.
The legislation was put into effect earlier in June, and was meant to put an end to "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations."
Russian officials hoped that passing the bill would enforce traditional values in the country. Violators of the law who are caught endorsing the LGBT community face fines up to $150. Media organizations might be forced to fork over $31,000 if they are found guilty.
Recently, Russia also made it illegal for foreign parents to adopt Russian orphans, according to Russian media outlet RIA Novosti.
In the past, Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly voiced his support for anti-gay legislation in his country.
Gay-rights activists and advocates have gathered in many main cities of America to celebrate nationwide LGBT pride, in light of the recent DOMA and Prop. 8 U.S. Supreme Court rejections.
