An action to demonstrate the danger of the new anti-LGBT laws
By Cathy Kristofferson, July 2, 2013
Photo courtesy lanka_red
Amidst current graphic protests, there is a renewed call for the boycott of the Sochi Olympics, as gay arrests continue in Russia following President Putin’s signing into law the nationwide so-called “anti-propaganda bill,” banning the so called ‘promotion’ in the presence of minors of “non-traditional sexual relations.”
As we reported on OBLOGDEE, at least 40 pro-gay activists were arrested Saturday and detained at a sanctioned St. Petersburg gay pride rally when they were violently attacked by at least 200 anti-gay Nationalists.
Photo courtesy lanka_red
Today four activists were arrested in central Moscow protesting the new law. In a great piece of performance activism, three of the four laid in a pool of blood at the entrance to the Presidential Administration building with posters of recent victims of homophobia taped to their backs. A fourth activist stood by them holding a campaign poster decrying the legislation. As they were being led away the activists explained:
“This action aims to demonstrate the danger of new anti-LGBT laws, because of which every individual, regardless of orientation, it may be in a pool of blood.”
Photo courtesy lanka_red
The recent arrests together with Sunday’s signing of the bill into law have renewed international calls for a boycott of the Sochi, Russia Olympics. We reported on the original call by NYC’s Rusa LGBT here on OBLOGDEE. With the so-called “promotion” ban now in effect nationwide in Russia, all athletes and attendees – gay or straight – are at greater risk of arrest, detention and deportation.
Activists warn that even pro-gay attire, as simple as a rainbow pin, or any speech or action deemed positive support for LGBT people or their rights, can lead to deportation following what could be up to 15 days in detention.
Activists are also calling on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to speak up against the Russian law and its violation of the Olympic charter’s statement of non-discrimination. Before the law was signed, international human rights watchdog, Human Rights Watch, issued a letter demanding action from the IOC due to the worsening state of homophobia in Russia and clear risk to athletes and attendees. Nary a peep has been heard in response as the homophobia level continues to ratchet upwards adding more and more risk to the Games.
Related articles:-
- Violent Arrests at pro-Gay Rally in Russia (oblogdeeoblogda.me)
- Call to Boycott Olympics in homophobic Russia reminds of Apartheid South Africa (oblogdeeoblogda.me)
- Protests and arrests as Russia’s State Duma passes anti-gay promotion bill unanimously (oblogdeeoblogda.me)
- Russian bill set to stop adoption to nations allowing same-sex marriage (oblogdeeoblogda.me)
Melanie Nathan, is known for her international human rights advocacy for LGBTQI asylum seekers, Uganda Kill the Gays Bill, Corrective Rape issue in South Africa, and equality activism in the USA; especially on the issue of bi-national same-sex couples struggle for green cards in the USA. Please feel free to Contact her if you have Tips, a story to tell - at 
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Reblogged this on JerBear's Queer News, Views & Memories and commented:
I understand the calls for a boycott, but, it is unlikely to succeed. Perhaps a call for participating athletes to show their support for LGBT/Queer Russians would have more success?
The boycott is perhaps unlikely. The participating athletes would have to show their support PRIOR to going to the Olympics since once in Russia they will be open for arrest just like everyone else. Or perhaps we will witness bold action and a dare to be arrested on some athlete(s) part! Or perhaps everyone can walk in to the Opening Ceremonies waving rainbow flags : )
Hopefully the repeated calls for a boycott will get the attention of the International Olympic Committee because allowing a country that violates the IOC’s charter is something they need to stop doing!
FEAR of failure of the marketed outcome should not stand in the way of the publicity to the issue that the mere call for boycott provides.
I agree with Cathy regarding the carrying of rainbow flags, but even the news of boycotts will send a message. South African teams were banned for apartheid.
Perhaps, the head of the Olympic Committee could include a comments on our behalf.
paula on stories4hotblooedlesbains.com