Thousands march at Glasgow Pride amid protests over Russia’s anti-gay law

GLASGOW, Scotland — More than 7,000 participated in Glasgow’s annual LGBT pride on Saturday, making in the largest turnout for a pride event in Scotland’s history, according to organizers.

Thousands of parade participants emphasized the need for marriage equality in Scotland, and used the visibility of the event to protest Russia’s anti-gay laws, calling for solidarity with the Russian LGBT community and action against Russian authorities.

“It was great to see so many people use Pride to campaign for equality, whether that be Equal Marriage or against Russian state homophobian” said Scott Cuthbertson, march participant and Community Development Coordinator for the Equality Network advocacy group.

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Alastair Smith, Chief Executive of Pride Glasgow, told LGBTQ Nation he is extremely concerned about violence and intimidation against LGBT people in Russia, and that Glasgow Pride has sent a “message reminding our Russian friends that they are not alone.”

On Friday, Glasgow’s mayor, Sadie Docherty, stated the city would not sever ties with its twin city in Russia over the country’s anti-gay laws, despite widespread calls during Pride and a petition signed by hundreds calling upon her to do so.