Russia & LGBT Rights 101

Here’s a rundown of what’s going on in Russia in regards to the Olympics, vodka boycotts and LGBT rights.

UPDATES: Gay rights activists confront Russian ambassador, IOC wants more information regarding Russia’s anti-gay laws.

UPDATE: President Obama speaks out about his lack of patience for Russia and countries with similar policies.

VODKA BOYCOTT
Gay bars in Los Angeles and San Francisco are holding “vodka-dumping protests” against Stolichnaya vodka and have stopped serving the brand.

Should you boycott or not?

Setting aside personal feelings about boycotts in general, even LGBT activists are divided about whether we should be avoiding purchase of all things Russian (especially vodka).

Here’s a letter from Mozaika (a Latvian LGBT alliance) about why Stoli should not be boycotted (click letter to enlarge):
MozaikaStoli

So should you boycott? Unfortunately, there’s no clear answer – it’s another case where individuals should weight the evidence and decide for themselves. We’d love to hear what you plan to do in the comments.

Vodka cam (clever!)

2014 OLYMPICS
Gay rights activists are calling for a boycott of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia as an international backlash against the country’s recent anti-gay laws gains traction.

The anger was sparked by the Russian Parliament’s passage of a new law banning public discussion of gay rights and relationships anywhere children might hear. It was passed in early 2012, but President Vladimir V. Putin signed it into law in June of this year.

Russia is scheduled to host the XXII Winter Olympic games in 2014. The International Olympic Committee promised athletes they would not be affected by Russia’s anti-gay laws. However, this week a St. Petersburg politician said all laws should be enforced no matter who is breaking them.

Human Rights Watch has described the anti-gay propaganda law as “a profoundly discriminatory and dangerous bill that is bound to worsen homophobia in Russia.”

U.S.-based company Outsports, which supports gays athletes, is opposed to an Olympic boycott saying critics should focus on putting pressure on Russia’s government rather than denying athletes the chance to compete.

Timeline of gay rights controversy in Russia

  • May 1, 2012 – 17 LGBT activists were arrested for waving rainbow flags and/or wearing rainbow suspenders during the Russian May Day Parade. They were later charged with participation in an illegal demonstration and non-comliance with police.
  • August 17, 2012: Moscow court upholds 100-year-old ban on gay pride events, after LGBT advocates discover a loophole in Russian legislation and submit 102 requests for Pride parades
  • May 12, 2013: Investigators in Russia announced the brutal torture and murder of a 23-year old man in Volgograd was motivated by homophobia
  • May 29: A 39-year old deputy director of the Ozyornaya Airport in Russia’s Far East was beaten to death because he was gay
  • May 30: Russia unveils its medals for the 2014 Olympics and Paralympics
  • June 11, 26, 30: The Federation Council (upper house) and State Duma (lower house) pass the “gay propaganda bill”, which is signed into law by Russian President Vladimir V. Putin. It punishes the dissemination of information about homosexuality to minors but will be used for a broader crackdown. Vitaly V. Milonov, the law’s principle drafter, has referred to gay people as perverts and accused gay rights activists of waging an aggressive campaign of conversion among Russia’s children
  • June 15: The International Olympic Committee releases a statement assuring athletes that those attending the games would be not targeted. In its statement: “The IOC would like to reiterate our long commitment to non-discrimination against those taking part in the Olympic Games, the IOC is an open organization and athletes of all orientations will be welcome at the Games.”
  • June 19: Human Right Watch letter to the Director General of the International Olympic Committee on Discrimination of LGBT People in Russia in Relation to 2014 Winter Olympics
  • July 23: Russia bans four Dutch nationals for three years after accusing them under the “gay propaganda law.” The law allows the government to arrest or detain gay (or “pro” gay) foreigners for up to 14 days before are would be expelled from Russia
  • July 3: President Putin signs a law banning the adoption of Russian-born children to gay couples and any couple or single parent living in any country where marriage equality exists in any form
  • July 5: Actor Tilda Swinton holds a rainbow flag in front of Moscow’s Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral. The photo goes viral on social media.
  • July 24: Seattle-based sex advice columnist and gay activist Dan Savage calls for a boycott of Russian vodka
  • July 31: Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko says gay athletes are welcome to participate in Russia’s 2014 Olympic games but must “obey” the law, in direct contrast to the IOC statement
  • August 1: Gay rights activists in New York City dump Stolichnaya vodka in the streets. Gay bars across the country vow to boycott Russian vodka
  • August 2: The Twitter hashtag #BoycottRussia trends on Twitter
  • Feb. 7-23, 2014: Russia Hosts the 2014 Winter Olympics, XXII Olympic Winter Games, in Sochi

Report compiled by Susan Clary and Jamie Hyman.

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