To Russia with Love - #BreakTheSilenceDenmark

In June, the Russian parliament adopted a law that makes so-called homosexual 'propaganda' among children and young people, an administrative offence. While it is not openly mentioned in the law, it is, in fact, targeting the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community and is a direct attack on the rights of freedom of expression, association and assembly of LGBTI people. The intention is to freeze all talk of homosexuality among the Russian public. To Russia With Love calls for action and for the condemnation of the propaganda law and the stigmatization of LGBT people in Russia. The law is a direct attack on LGBTI rights and freedom of expression in Russia. The law imposes hefty fines on those who dare to spread information among minors aimed at development of non-traditional sexual orientation or equal social value of traditional and non-traditional sexual relations. This law applies to foreigners as well, as they could be punished even heavier with up to 15 days in detention and deportation from Russia. The Russian lawmakers ignore the massive criticism that pours in from the international LGBTI community and its supporters in civil society. The doors to the Kremlin are bolted shut and so far protests have fallen on deaf ears. Russian authorities seem to ignore the damaging outcomes of the witch-hunt they started. Vigilante type groups have formed on Russian social networks, and are quickly spreading throughout the country and across the former Soviet Union. These groups harass and humiliate those who they perceive to be LGBTI individuals. As a result, LGBTI people and other minorities are faced with violent persecution and humiliation. A witch-hunt the perpetrators enjoy documenting, and sharing on the Internet - as a warning. Some Russian LGBTI people have stated that they see fleeing Russia as the only way out now. We call upon the Danish government and politicians to put pressure on Russia to stop violating the rights of LGBT people in Russia. Love and freedom of expression are human rights. And they must be respected! With the law on homosexual propaganda among children and the youth, the Russian government strikes at the lifeblood of the LGBT movement. We must fight for everyone's right to express opinions about sexuality. The LGBT community in Denmark has thus taken the first step. We hope you will get in the game and put civic pressure on Russian policy makers. On behalf of To Russia with Love FACEBOOK.COM/TORUSSIAWITHLOVEDENMARK To Russia with Love Copenhagen Pride Sabaah Amnesty International LGBT Danmark AllRightsCPH

#BreakTheSilenceDenmark