Downing Street protest to be staged on Wednesday over Russia’s anti-gay laws

Feb 04 2014
Written by Scott Roberts

A protest is due to take place opposite Downing Street on Wednesday against Russia’s anti-gay laws.

The event, which lasts from 6pm-7pm, is being organised by online campaign group All Out and is designed to raise awareness before the start of the Winter Olympics.

It is part of a ‘Global Speak Out’ that is taking place on 5 February in cities around the world.

“The Global Speak Out means a lot to us here in St Petersburg, Russia”, said Dmitry, one of the local LGBT rights organisers in St Petersburg.

“Together with thousands of people around the world we are going to show Russian authorities they can’t attack lesbian, gay, bi or trans (LGBT) Russians with impunity, without risking their international reputation and the success of our Olympics. We will not be silent anymore! We will fight back! For our rights! For our human rights!”

On Monday, Italy’s Prime Minister Enrico Letta said he will raise the issue of Russia’s anti-gay laws during his trip to the Winter Olympics this week.

The Games begin in the Russian city of Sochi on Friday.

Last month, President Vladimir Putin claimed gay people would be welcome in Sochi, providing they “just leave the children alone”.

It was revealed yesterday that a teenage girl in Russia was accused by authorities of breaking anti-gay legislation, with officials declaring her to be a person of “non-traditional sexual orientation”.

Speaking at the first Whitehall protest against Russia’s anti-gay laws last August, Stephen Fry said that athletes taking part in the Winter Olympics should perform a simple gesture to show their solidarity with the LGBT community.

The gay actor, author and comedian told PinkNews that people should also “mock” President Vladimir Putin.