Coca-Cola bosses are expected to meet this week to decide if they should speak out against Russia's anti-gay laws, and the supporters of GLBTI rights worldwide are being urged to pressure the company to do so. The rights advocacy site All Out says as a major sponsor of the Olympics, Coke has been under growing pressure for months. “Coca-Cola could claim Russia's anti-gay laws have nothing to do with them. But if thousands of us email them now, they could see that this is a growing threat to Coca-Cola's fun, friendly image,” it says, linking to a form email that can be sent. Another online advocacy organisation, Sum of Us, has joined the campaign. “So far, Coke has remained silent on Russia’s LGBT crackdown -- that's why we're joining with All Out to show Coke how many people want the company to speak out against this law. If we succeed, we can set off an earthshaking domino effect that pushes other international sponsors to follow. “This is the best shot we have at creating a billion-dollar problem for Russia that can ultimately push it to overturn its horrific anti-gay laws. “Tell Coca-Cola executives meeting this week to condemn Russia’s anti-gay laws and call for their repeal.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 22nd October 2013 - 11:05am