MOSCOW (AP):

Russian gay rights activists announced plans yesterday to hold a parade hours before this month's finals of the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow, potentially setting the stage for a confrontation with city authorities and extremists.

Moscow's government has prohibited gay rights marches in the past and Mayor Yuri Luzhkov has drawn international criticism by describing homosexuality as "satanic".

Russian gay rights movement leader Nikolai Alexeyev said he hoped 500 people would join a parade passing through central Moscow.

He said he asked city authorities yesterday for permission to hold the parade, dubbed Slavic Pride, but added that 100 activists would risk prosecution and march even if it was refused.