The fight in the Russian capital started after a group of approximately 15 gay rights activists held a demonstration to mark International Coming Out Day, which was October 11.

The activists were far outnumbered by their anti-gay opponents, which included several dressed as Cossacks and Orthodox priests. The anti-gay demonstrators also included several elderly women who chanted Russian Orthodox prayers at the activists.
“The homophobes broke up the action with the help of the police,” said Natalia Tsymbalova, a gay rights activist.

Another demonstrator told Reuters that when a pro-gay demonstrator tried to display a rainbow pride flag, she was tackled to the ground and the flag torn from her.

A police representative told Reuters that 67 people had been detained. They included both gay rights activists and their opponents.