Moscow police detain 2 at gay pride demonstration

MOSCOW (AP) — Police in the Russian capital have detained two protesters who were holding an unsanctioned gay pride demonstration.

The demonstration took place Saturday across from the Moscow mayor’s office, a traditional site for the gay rights advocates to try to hold rallies.

Moscow authorities routinely deny gay groups’ applications for permission to hold rallies, generally arguing that they could lead to violence by opponents.

Animosity toward gays is widespread in Russia, even though homosexuality was decriminalized two decades ago.

There was no immediate information on whether the two protesters would be charged.