Tuesday, 6 August 2013

Lady Gaga blasts Russia

The Russians are all up in arms now about Lady Gaga and Madonna. They've said that when she was there she had the wrong visa or some shit and shouldn't have performed. Lady Gaga (in true Gaga form) fired back these tweets:


In news closer to home, a gay local member of parliament (Alex Greenwich, who led the protests at the recently removed Sydney rainbow crossing) has written an open letter to Australia's foreign minister Bob Carr. I'd never have imagined something that's happened in Russia would have such a political effect so close to home. To me that says a lot about the depth of feeling in the west about the human rights abuses against LGBT people in Russia. Here's some of the letter in part, or follow the link to read it all:
Gay men and lesbians are already experiencing increased hatred and violence in Russia and these laws will only legitimise and increase the prevalence of that aggression. With the Winter Olympics taking place in Sochi, Russia in February, Australian LGBTI athlete s and visitors will be at risk of arrest and violence. 

I believe Australia should express clear and public opposition against these laws and put pressure on the Government of the Russian Federation to withdraw them. A number of my constituents and LGBTI advocates tell me they believe Australia should play an active role opposing the laws. 

With the G20 Leaders' Summit to be held in St Petersburg on September 5 - 6, there is opportunity for Australia’s representative to meet with Russian leaders to express a larm over the laws and call for their withdrawal. I also ask you to meet with the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Australia on this serious matter and make a public condemnation of the laws . 

As a tolerant country that recognises basic international human rights obligations and that h as made significant progress against discrimination, Australia should work to improve the treatment of the LGBTI communities internationally. more

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