Madonna vs. ‘gay propaganda’ law
Russian opponents of “gay propaganda” are still upset over actions by pop star Madonna during her St. Petersburg concert last week.
She spoke out against the city’s new law against “gay propaganda” that can be witnessed by minors.
Local officials say she violated that law when she encouraged tolerance for gays.
At the concert, she told fans that homosexuals have the same rights as heterosexuals. She said that gays should be treated with dignity, RIA Novosti reported. She also distributed pink bracelets to 25,000 fans.
The news agency said:
“Vitaly Milonov, a member of the pro-Kremlin United Russia Party and author of the law, said Madonna’s remarks were inappropriate because they were made in front of minors and violate a law that makes it a crime to “disseminate homosexual propaganda” to those under the age of 18.
“Milonov said video footage shows children, who appear to be as young as 12, at the concert, even though tickets clearly stated those under 18 were not advised to attend the show.”
The singer wore black lingerie with the words “No Fear” written on her bare back. She also urged the audience to “show your love and appreciation to the gay community”.
“We want to fight for the right to be free,” she said.
Madonna also raised hackles at her later Moscow concert, where she supported the punk band Pussy Riot, who are in jail on charges related to their performance of a protest song against Russian President Vladimir Putin in a church in February.