Green MSP To Join Protest For LGBT Rights In Russia
Glasgow MSP Patrick Harvie will tomorrow join protestors outside the Russian Consulate in Edinburgh, after attacks on LGBT people in Russia followed a new law banning the distribution of gay "propoganda" to minors.
The protest, organised by Scotland's Equality Network, will take place at 4pm on Melville Street. (1)
Patrick Harvie said:
"As Scotland prepares to join the progressive nations of the world by allowing same-sex marriage, it's vital we don't forget that in many other places lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are under severe attack. Russia's crackdown on LGBT people's freedom and dignity is deeply shocking, and we have a duty to show their Government that Scotland opposes these human rights abuses and the prejudice which underlies them.
"I'd urge the Scottish and UK Governments to add their voices to the campaign to challenge homophobia on the global stage, so that Russia and other countries know that their actions will not be accepted by the international community."
Calls have also been made for Glasgow to end its twinned status with the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don. The Lord Provost of Glasgow has written to her counterpart seeking dialogue on the issue of LGBT freedoms. (2)
Commenting, Patrick Harvie said:
"The Russian Government and the regions which have supported homophobic laws must be challenged, but those which respect LGBT human rights must be given our support. I welcome the decision of the Glasgow Provost to write to the Mayor of Rostov on Don, seeking his support for LGBT human rights in his city. Towns and cities in Scotland and the UK twinned with Russian communities are in a position to help build links with pro-equality voices in Russia, and to work together to challenge prejudice and violence against LGBT people."
Notes
1. Details of the protest are here:
http://www.equality-network.org/event/protest-lgbt-human-rights-abuses-in-russia/
2. Petition to end the twinning of the cities here:
https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/the-rt-hon-the-lord-provost-of-glasgow-councillor-sadie-docherty-remove-twinning-agreement-with-rostov-on-don-russia