An application for The Conchita Wurst March of Bearded Women and Men was rejected
Russian officials have banned a parade set to honour Eurovision winner, Austrian drag act Conchita Wurst.The application for the Conchita Wurst March of Bearded Women and Men was denied by Moscow's security department, reports The Guardian. It was hoped that the parade would take place on May 27, to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the legalisation of homosexuality in Russia.
Billboard writes that a spokesperson for the security department said that the application for the march was rejected because of "concerns it would provoke clashes between gays and their opponents."
Conchita Wurst previously said that she hoped her Eurovision victory would help to spread a message of tolerance and respect around Europe. Wurst, real name Tom Neuwirth, was crowned winner of the 59th annual Eurovision Song Contest earlier this month. In Vienna she told reporters that the victory was not just personal, "but a victory for those people who believe in a future that can function without discrimination and is based on tolerance and respect".
The singer won the competition in Denmark capital Copenhagen with the song 'Rise Like a Phoenix', collecting 290 points. The Netherlands finished second with 238 points, with Sweden in third place with 218 points. After being crowned winner at the ceremony, Wurst shouted: "We are unity and we are unstoppable".
In Vienna, she explained: "That was obviously meant for certain politicians whom we all know". Asked if she was talking about Vladimir Putin, whose anti-gay laws in Russia have come under fierce criticism, Wurst said "among others".
