It seems we are hearing more and more reports about vicious attacks against LGBTQ people in Russia these days, after the country passed it controversial anti-gay-propaganda bill last year. Reports Human Rights Watch:
The Russian authorities need to address a deteriorating situation of widespread and concerted abuse against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people and activists. The authorities’ failure to act and some officials’ homophobic comments expose LGBT people to further harassment and violence and embolden the attackers, Human Rights Watch research found.
And this:
“The Russian authorities have the power to protect the rights of LGBT people, but instead they are ignoring their responsibility to do so,” said Tanya Cooper, Russia researcher at Human Rights Watch. “By turning a blind eye to hateful homophobic rhetoric and violence, Russian authorities are sending a dangerous message as the world is about to arrive on its doorstep for the Olympics that there is nothing wrong with attacks on gay people.”
So, what gives? Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he has nothing against gay people, that Russia is simply trying to keep that sexual orientation issueaway from kids. So why isn’t he speaking out against homophobic and transphobic attacks in his country? Why aren’t the authorities doing something about it?
Jillian
