Thirty-six people have been detained in central Moscow during a gay rally which was held despite an official ban. It is reported that both gay rights activists and people opposed to the march were among those arrested.
While gay marches are common in many Western capitals, some say Russian society is too traditional for such events. Moscow authorities had forbidden the event, saying they couldn't guarantee security. In previous years, similar events have provoked a wave of protests – including some by church activists. Last year several members of the European Parliament who came to support the rally were either attacked or arrested.