A Russian court has ruled against a homosexual music teacher who lost her job after being outed as gay by an antigay activist in St. Petersburg.
Ksenia Kirichenko, the lawyer for a gay rights group that is representing the teacher, said on April 23 that the court has refused the teacher’s demand to be reinstated.
The teacher, who would agree to be identified only by her first name, Alevtina, was sacked in December for what her employers described as "immoral" behavior incompatible with her professional activities.
She is one of several gay teachers who lost their jobs in St. Petersburg after being targeted by the activist.
While most of the others resigned quietly, Alevtina decided to challenge her dismissal in court -- an unusual step in Russia where homosexuals have faced increasing pressure.
Kirichenko said the teacher plans to appeal the court ruling.