by Rex Wockner
International News Briefs
Two Moscow Pride organizers were arrested in Ryazan, Russia, March 30 for presenting "propaganda of homosexuality to minors."
Nikolai Baev and Irina Fet, along with two activists who were not arrested, were carrying pro-gay banners near a school and library in the city center when they were taken into custody.
The action was a deliberate challenge to the local region's 2006 law against gay propaganda, which prohibits any discussion of homosexuality with children. Violators can be fined.
It is the only law of its kind in Russia.
"We came here to denounce a law which is not only homophobic but which is also against the constitution of this country," said activist Nikolai Alekseev. "This action was a necessary step to appeal the cancellation of this law to the Constitutional Court."
The arrested activists appeared in court and the case was delayed so officials can study it.
Ryazan is 200 km (120 miles) southeast of Moscow.
