A collective of gay and human rights groups are urging people across the globe to ramp up the protests, sponsor boycotts and pressure ahead of the Sochi Winter Olympics. Moscow-based glbt activist group Rainbow Association has joined with, March for Equality, the Russian LGBT Sport Federation, Committee for a Workers’ International, Left Socialist Action and Pussy Riot Support Group calling for action. The groups say Russia’s recent law banning the “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” is a huge attack on civil rights and freedoms in their country. They say the government is trying to divide society and draw public attention away from pressing social and political issues by using lgbt people as scapegoats. Its actions have provoked violence against lgbtq people and criminalised protests against this repression. Some lgbtq activists have been forced to flee to other cities or even abroad due to government pressure and continuing threats from the far right.” The groups say the Russian government is also attacking the rights of women, atheists and religious minorities, persecuting immigrants and the political opposition. “Russia is not, however, just the corrupt and authoritarian regime of Putin and his clique. Russia is over 140 million people, most of whom want to see change. “After the rigged elections of 2012, thousands of people came out to join mass protests in the streets in cities and towns across Russia. Many lgbtq activists were involved in these protests and were met with compassion and understanding from many other protesters.” The groups have the following suggestions for supporting their fight against discrimination, authoritarianism and repression and for equal rights, freedom and genuine democracy in Russia: - Protests in front of Russia’s embassies, consulates or other locations on the day of the Sochi Olympic Games opening ceremony on 7 February 2014; - Pressure on the corporate sponsors and suppliers of the 2014 Sochi Olympics – such as Coca-Cola, Panasonic, Samsung, Procter - Sports fans to organize solidarity actions when attending the Olympics; - Athletes participating at the Olympics to express their support in statements or symbolically; - Activists and allies in different countries to organize campaigns demanding protection against persecution for the athletes who choose to protest against homophobia and neglect of human rights in Russia from the Olympic committees, - People all over the world to demand a change in the rules of the Olympics that limit the right to protest against discrimination, - Support for the activists facing persecution in Russia, including those who have to seek asylum in the EU and other countries,- Protests during international visits of Russian officials or celebrities which are known for their homophobic views. Contact the collective at equality.march.ru@gmail.com
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 13th November 2013 - 10:20am