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Updated Wednesday, 9:45 a.m. EST
After story of its surprising supposed tolerance reverberated around the world, Moscow government officials on Wednesday issued a clarification.
Early Wednesday morning, officials in Moscow made it clear that they have not yet approved the city's first Pride rally and festival, and instead are reviewing the application materials.
“We are studying the proposals and will reply in due time,” Lyudmila Shvetsova, overseer of the capital’s social policy, said.
In February, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said he would not approve of a Pride event in the city.
Pride-related marches or rallies have been annually banned by Moscow authorities since 2006. But organizer Nikolay Alexeyev thinks this year will be different.
"The Moscow government told the Moscow gay pride parade organizers on Tuesday that the Moscow authorities have authorized a gay pride parade in Moscow," says Moscow gay pride parade organizer Nikolay Alexeyev. "The purpose of the rally will be to provide society with objective information on the history of the attitude towards homosexuality in culture and science, on the contribution made by prominent gay people to culture and art, and role of prominent culture figures and artists in the protection of the lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transsexuals."
Condragulations, Moscow!
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