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AIDS fighters at U.N. urge Russia to drop anti-‘gay propaganda’ law

AIDS fighters at U.N. urge Russia to drop anti-‘gay propaganda’ law

United Nations officials are urging Russia to repeal its ban on so-called “gay propaganda” because that anti-LGBTQ law hinders the effort to conquer AIDS.


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Despite being banned, a small group of activists marched a 20-meter rainbow flag 600 meters down the streets of Moscow in 2010. (Photo courtesy of RFE/RL)

UNAIDS issued this statement:

UNAIDS urges Russia to repeal ‘LGBTQ propaganda’ law

GENEVA, 29 October 2022—Responding to the statement by the Russian government that it intends to extend the so-called “LGBTQ propaganda” law, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima [of Uganda] has joined with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in expressing deep concern.

Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS

“Extension of this law,” said Ms Byanyima, “is a further violation of the rights of people to autonomy, dignity and equality. Not only will it harm the security and general wellbeing of LGBTQ individuals, it will have a serious negative impact on people’s health outcomes. The evidence is clear that punitive and restrictive laws, including those restricting free speech, increase the risk of acquiring HIV and decrease access to services.

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Salman Mukaev (Photo courtesy of Moscow Times)

“Such laws reduce the ability of service providers, including peer networks, to provide critical sexual and reproductive health information and services, and increase stigma related to sexual orientation, making it harder for people to protect their health and that of their communities. This will undermine Russia’s efforts to end AIDS by 2030.

‘Our call to the Parliament and Government of Russia is to withdraw these harmful proposals and indeed to repeal the existing law. Stigmatising approaches damage public health, perpetuate pandemics and hurt everyone. Social solidarity, inclusion and protecting every person’s human rights are key to ending AIDS and ensuring health for all.”

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