Madonna Vows to Oppose Gay Law in Putin’s Hometown

[marmar]

(Bloomberg) Madonna’s first tour in Russia drew the ire of orthodox Christian activists. Now she vows to defy a new law against promoting homosexuality when she performs in President-elect Vladimir Putin’s hometown in August.

“I will come to St. Petersburg to speak up for the gay community and to give strength and inspiration to anyone who is or feels oppressed,” the pop star said by e-mail late yesterday. “I’m a freedom fighter.”

The law, signed on March 7 by St. Petersburg Governor Georgy Poltavchenko, a Putin ally and former KGB officer, bans lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered “propaganda” that could give minors “the false perception that traditional and nontraditional relationships are socially equal.”

Homosexuality was outlawed in the Soviet era and wasn’t decriminalized in Russia until 1993. Seventy-six of the 193 members of the United Nations deem homosexuality illegal, according to Human Rights Watch. At least five countries, including Iran, impose the death penalty for consensual same-sex relations, the New York-based advocacy group says. .................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-21/madonna-vows-to-oppose-gay-law-in-putin-s-hometown.html

[Faygo Kid]

1. Good for her.

Now that she is older, it's time to speak out more often.

[Brickbat]

2. K&R for speaking out against this ridiculous law.