Former Fascit, now mayor of rome calls Pride a "sexual exhibition"

A former fascist elected to lead one of Europe's biggest cities has spoken out against the gay community.

Gianni Alemanno defeated his opponents to take control of Rome on April 28th.

He is the first right-wing Mayor of the city in 15 years.

Last week he set his sights on Pride, but claimed he was acting in the interests of public decency and not in opposition to gay people.

"I respect homosexuals, I know some," he said.

"But I fear that the Gay Pride or anything else, an act of sexual exhibition, and I am opposed to any form of exhibition, homosexual or heterosexual."

Fabrizio Marrazzo, head of Italy's gay rights group Arcigay, said: "Pride is not an exhibition of sexual orientation, but a moment of reflection for gays, lesbians, and the transgendered." More