© Vernon Bryant/Staff PhotographerMembers of the Huey P. Newton Gun Club chanted slogans including “black power” and “justice for Michael Brown” during their peaceful protest on Wednesday.
The open-carry rally was organized by the Huey P. Newton Gun Club to promote self-defense and community policing in response to recent police shootings, both nationally and locally.
Police monitored the black-clad demonstrators, some of whom had rifles slung over their shoulders. As they walked down MLK Boulevard and Malcolm X Boulevard in the blistering heat, many chanted "black power" and "justice for Michael Brown," the black teenager fatally shot by police this month in suburban St. Louis. His death has touched off a string of often-violent protests in that area.
Comment: People have to realize that Russia has to walk a fine line when it comes to homosexuality. Over half the population thinks that gays should be punished by law or medically treated. Two thirds think of it as a moral perversion or that it is not a sexual orientation.
As for Russia's "anti-gay propaganda" law, in the 7 years that the previous, similar, regional laws were in effect, they resulted in only 6 prosecutions and 2 convictions, which were later overturned. After six months of the infamous federal law, there were 3 convictions, 2 of which were for acts of civil disobedience against the law itself. Law enforcement have been very restrained when it comes to interpreting and acting on the law itself. In fact, Russia has signed on with the UN Human Rights Council to fight violence and discrimination against homosexuals themselves, and is accountable for fulfilling their agreement. For more information see Brian M. Heiss's "White Paper".