MOSCOW, September 10 - RAPSI. The Moscow City Court has validated the local government's refusal to authorize a gay rally near Aeroflot's office, the court told the Russian Legal Information Agency (RAPSI/rapsinews.com).

The court has dismissed the appeal filed by Nikolai Alexyev, who organizes gay rights parades and had asked the court to order the Moscow City Hall not to hinder the legal right to hold rallies.

The rally was planned to be held on the downtown Moscow avenue of Novy Arbat on Civil Aviation Day (December 7). Its purpose was to condemn Aeroflot's discriminatory policies toward homosexual employees.

When refusing to authorize the rally, the parties said it could have resulted in clashes between the participants and individuals who are against such events.

A number of citizens are also said to have submitted complaints against the event.

A Moscow government representative said in court that such rallies contradict religious and ethical standards.

As an alternative, lawyers proposed staging the rally in closed premises.