MOSCOW, February 9, 2007  –  In a remarkable statement on the banning of Moscow Gay Pride last year, the Russian government has strongly supported the right of sexual minorities to freedom of assembly.

The statement was made by the Russian Federation in its role as Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, a position it held from August 2006 to January 2007.

While acknowledging that the Moscow gay pride demonstration was banned, and that a case is pending before the courts, it underlined that:

● People belonging to sexual minorities enjoy the same right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly as any other individual

● Not only can peaceful demonstrations in favour of sexual minority rights simply not be banned, but the police has a duty to protect such manifestations when they take place

● A general ban of a peaceful demonstration can only be justified if there is a real danger of disorder which cannot be prevented by reasonable and appropriate measures.

Nikolai Alekseev welcomed the statement from the Russian government which is in line with the first ever statement of President Vladimir Putin on the issue.

“The statement of Russian government in the Council of Europe that Russia intends to respect the rights of sexual minorities and considers that there are no reasons to ban gay marches is in fact first official confirmation that the views of federal authorities on this issue is starting to change radically,” he said in an email from Berlin where the documentary film about the events of last May’s Moscow Gay Pride is included in the official programme of Berlin Film Festival.

“It is hardly possible to imagine a new ban of the gay pride in Moscow in May this year.  The authorities will be obliged to permit the march and provide security to its participants,” he predicted.

But he added that he would be waiting to see if the words would turn into action.

In Brussels, the International Gay and Lesbian Association (ILGA-Europe) also welcomed the Moscow statement.

“[It’s] strength, coming with the agreement of the 46 member states, is important for many countries, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe, where LGBT freedom of assembly has been challenged on many occasions,” commented Patricia Prendiville, executive director of ILGA-Europe.

And Maxim Anmeghichean, ILGA programmes director, pointed out that, because of their chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers, the Russian government had little alternative but to make a positive statement, even if that meant effectively condemning the actions of the Mayor of Moscow.

“What really matters is whether they take concrete actions, ensuring freedom of assembly, responding to acts of violence, and promoting awareness of the rights of the LGBT community,” he said.

■  The ban on Moscow Pride is the subject of a case against the Russian authorities at the European Court of Human Rights.

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Posted: 09 February 2007 at 16:00 (UK time) Updated at 21.30