Two arrested in Russia gay protest

Russian police haul away gay activists in St Petersburg protesting against a controversial new law.

They may become the first to be tried under the law, introduced last month, which bans what it calls homosexual propaganda.

Activists picketed St Petersburg's youth cultural centre to protest with banners reading "Gay is a form of sexuality proven by science'' and "Do not lie to children".

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) GAY ACTIVIST, ALEXEI, SAYING:

"This law violates human rights, including the right of children to get true and valid information, scientific information."

But the centre's security officers took a dim view of the protest, calling the police.

This policeman says the protesters should be arrested because they are drunk in public and promoting propaganda in front of children.

Under the new law, anyone found guilty of homosexual propaganda can be fined up to 5000 roubles or 170 U.S. dollars.

Sunita Rappai, Reuters