Update: Russian repression, Cameroon criticism
RUSSIA
4 Dutch visitors accused of gay propaganda freed in Russia (O-blog-dee)
Campaigners in Lansing, Michigan, U.S.A., seek to cut sister-city ties with St. Petersburg, Russia, because of anti-gay laws. (Associated Press)
International Olympic Committee warns Russia after anti-gay law
The International Olympic Committee has responded to calls for a global boycott of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, following the passing of a new draconian anti-gay law. The IOC statement to Russia: “The International Olympic Committee is clear that sport is a human right and should be available to all regardless of race, sex or sexual orientation,” the statement said. “The Games themselves should be open to all, free of discrimination, and that applies to spectators, officials, media and of course athletes. We would oppose in the strongest terms any move that would jeopardize this principle.” (Global Post)
CAMEROON
Government’s first response to activist’s murder: Criticize media coverage
The first official response came from government spokesman Issa Tchiroma, who said that journalists and civil rights groups had “launched attacks on our nation, dragging its image into the mud.” He went on to say that the case was being investigated. But civil rights groups had said previous investigations had not been through. (Pink News)
Related articles
- Cameroon Blasts Reporting of Gay Activist’s Death (abcnews.go.com)
- Lansing, MI May Cut Ties With St. Petersburg Over Anti-Gay Policies (towleroad.com)
- Cameroon groups: It’s too dangerous to keep fighting AIDS (76crimes.com)
- Cameroon accuses media of attacking country in their coverage of killing of gay activist (foxnews.com)
- Lansing council considers severing Russian sister city ties over gay rights issue (mlive.com)
LGBTQ people in wealthy nations deserve to know how the other half suffers