Russian Court Rules Against Gay Teacher Who Was Fired

By The Associated Press

April 23, 2015

A St. Petersburg court has ruled against a homosexual music teacher who lost her job after being outed by an anti-gay activist.

Ksenia Kirichenko, the lawyer for a gay rights organization representing the teacher, said Thursday that the court this week refused the teacher's demand to be reinstated.

The teacher, who would agree to be identified only by her first name, Alevtina, is one of several gay teachers who lost their jobs in St. Petersburg after being targeted by the activist.

While most resigned quietly, Alevtina decided to fight her dismissal in court — an unusual step in Russia, where gays have faced increasing pressure in recent years. Kirichenko said the teacher planned to file an appeal.

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