“This is silencing political speech that is disapproved of by authorities. - plain and simple.”
No, this is silencing homo speech intended on poisoning the minds and spirits of our children and societal culture at large. I applaud the Russians.
Then we are both in agreement that this is the silencing of speech by the state.
One doesn't need to agree with these protesters to understand that they are calling for what they consider to be moral treatment and non-discriminatory policy. If redressing your state for what you think is immoral and discriminatory isn't protected then what is?