Police use water cannons to break up ‘Kisses against Homophobia’ event in Peru
Peruvian police have used water canons and kerosene to assault a group of LGBT activists who were taking a stand against homophobia over the weekend.
Over two dozen people gathered in Lima’s Plaza de Armas on Saturday (February 13) to take part in the “kisses against homophobia” protest, reports the Washington Blade.
The activist group who had organised the protest, Chola Contravisual, said the peaceful demonstrators were hit with water and kerosene from an armoured police truck, while one participant was injured in the attack, suffering bruising to their arm.
“We were assaulted by the police on Feb 13 and like every year, approximately 25 LGBTQ people were gathered in Lima’s Plaza de Armas,” they said.
Peruvian based LGBT rights group Promsex were also involved in the protest, and spokesperson George Liendo said police had banned LGBT protests in the square, despite other demonstrations regularly taking place.
“The aggression was excessive towards the young people who gather each year in the main square to kiss against homophobia,” he said.
“They [the police] are obligated to protect the LGBTI community, as it is a population that is particularly susceptible to violence.”
You can watch footage of the protest below:
More stories:
‘Masc 4 masc?’ What gay hook-up slang really means
Zachary Quinto’s boyfriend Mile McMillan goes full-frontal Purple magazine