Around 30 people took part in Slavic Gay Pride 2010 on one of the central Minsk avenues. The LGBT activists carried a 12 metre rainbow banner and were chanting: “No to homophobia!” “Equal rights, no compromises!” “Homophobia is a disease!” and other slogans. 

However, the demonstration did not last long: activists managed to walk only a few dozen metres. They held a small rally acknowledging the widespread homophobia in the country and violations of LGBT rights. Later, activists tried to move forward along the street but a special police unit quickly and brutally stopped them.   

Eight individuals, including two Russian citizens, were detained by police. They were forced into vans and transported to the nearest police station. In the evening detainees were transferred to the Akreścina detention centre.

HR Centre Viasna issued a statement condemning the authorities for violating the Constitutional rights and international standards of human rights. HR defenders once again called on the Belarusian authorities to show respect for human rights and secure the freedom of peaceful assembly and free expression, without any discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation.

Gay? Pay a fine
The detained LGBT activists went to court on 17 May. All participants of the rally against homophobia and for gay rights were found guilty of organising a non-sanctioned public event. The court set a minimal fine of 17,500 BYR ( approx. 5 EUR) to each participant.

Previously, the Minsk municipality had banned Slavic Gay Pride 2010. The participants planned to gather in the city centre and walk along the main avenue. In doing so, the organisers ignored the ban notification signed by the municipality deputy head Mikhail Tsitsenkou. The authorities used an obscure article from the law on mass gatherings, which stated that ‘public events are not allowed near underground pedestrian crossings and subway stations.’ The reasons seemed ‘absurd’ to the organisers and they decided to go ahead as planned despite the ban. Arrests and fines were obvious results. 

On 14 May, Amnesty International expressed concerns about Minsk municipality’s decision to ban the rally. HR defenders called on Belarus to respect the rights of sexual minorities. However, the state, ignoring its constitutional responsibilities, is not willing to cease its discriminatory policy.