MOSCOW, May 7 (UPI) -- The press secretary for Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov said Thursday authorities in the Russian capital are opposing plans for a gay parade in the city.
Press secretary Sergei Tsoi said the Moscow government is insistent it will oppose a planned gay movement event, as well as any other gay parades scheduled in the future, RIA Novosti said.
"The Moscow government is declaring that there has never been and never will be a gay parade in Moscow!" Tsoi said.
Tsoi said gay movement representatives are planning on moving forward with their plans for a May 16 parade in Moscow even if local authorities fail to give permission.
The mayoral spokesman told RIA Novosti such plans could threaten the security of any individuals taking part in the parade.
Tsoi added members of the religious community have joined with the Moscow government in opposing the gay parade.
"This is not only the position of the Moscow government. Representatives of all religious groups, and above all the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as leaders from youth and veteran organizations and multicultural societies have issued a strong warning against it," the press secretary said.
