A Sochi appeals court has upheld a lower court decision to deny registration of Pride House, a local gay movement, saying it constitutes a threat to Russia’s sovereignty.

      Earlier, Krasnodar Department of Justice denied registration of "Pride House" organization. The organizers tried to appeal against the judgment, but the appeal court didn't support them. The decision was made on February 20, but declaration was published only yesterday.

      The Sochi court said that Pride House's goals “undermine public morals and are at odds with national policy on the family, motherhood and children.” It is also stressed that non-traditional sexual orientation that could spark social strife and lead to a decrease in the country’s already low birth rate, thereby “undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Russian Federation.”

      The "Pride House" activists have already said they stand firm and plan to appeal to the Russian Supreme Court or even to the European Court of Human Rights.

      "Pride House" called for registration as they planned to provide "an objective source of information on the LGBT movement in Russia and the world" for athletes and spectators during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. According to the members' words, they were inspired by the similar LGBT movement working at the Olympic Games in Vancouver.  

Sources: Lenta.ru RIA Novosti Image: facebook