Published: February 10, 2012
Russian City of Petersburg Passes Anti-Gay Legislation
By Mina Fabulous 
The United States of America today expressed deep concern on a proposed local legislation in Russian city of St. Petersburg which bans 'gay propaganda'.
Campaigners assert that the new legislation severely restrict freedoms of expression and assembly for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals.
St. Petersburg city authorities have placed a ban on the reading, discussion or dissemination of anything relating to LGBT issues.
LGBT publications, pride parades, and related events, such as this stage at Bologna Pride 2008 in Italy, increasingly drop the LGBT initialism instead of regularly adding new letters, and dealing with issues of placement of those letters within the new title. Photo: Wikimedia Commons |
As Secretary Clinton has reiterated, gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights.
The US government has called on Russian officials to safeguard the freedoms of the LGBT individuals, and to foster an environment which promotes respect for the rights of all citizens.
The new legislation has been condemned by LGBT rights organisations across the world.
The U.S. government has also consulted with its EU partners on the issue. Both parties share concerns and are also engaging Russian officials for dialogue to address the issue.
The United States places great importance on fighting discrimination against the LGBT community and all minority groups.
Since taking office, President Obama has demonstrated that his vision for a brighter future includes greater equality for LGBT Americans. The Administration is dedicated to eliminating barriers to equality and end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
On December 2011, President Obama issued a presidential memorandum that directs all federal agencies engaged abroad to ensure that U.S. diplomacy and foreign assistance promote and protect the human rights of LGBT persons.
Mina Fabulous follows the news, especially what is going on in the US State Department. Mina turns State Department waffle into plain english. Contact Mina through NewsBlaze.
Search News
