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

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

Patricia Prendiville, Executive Director of ILGA-Europe, said:

"The strength of the statement, 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.”

Maxim Anmeghichean, Programmes Director of ILGA-Europe, added:

"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."

Ends

For more information please contact
Juris Lavrikovs at + 32 2 609 54 16 / + 32 496 708 375

Notes for editors:

(1) ILGA-Europe is the European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Association and works for equality and human rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Europe.

(2) The Council of Europe is Europe's oldest human rights organisation, with 46 member states. Its most well-known institution is the European Court of Human Rights. Executive authority is vested in the Committee of Ministers, being the Foreign Ministers of the 46 member states, or their deputies. The chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers rotates on a six monthly basis. The Parliamentary Assembly brings together delegates from national parliaments of the member states. The statement by the Russian Federation was a response to a parliamentary question from a member of the Assembly.

(3) Full text of the statement is available at: https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc.jsp?id=1088939&BackColorInternet=9999CC&BackColorIntranet=FFBB55&BackColorLogged=FFAC75