The Rt Hon David Lidington MP
Minister of State
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street
London SW1A 2AH
Ref: ML.N0012.CM.12.08.13
Date: 12th August 2013
Dear David,
I am writing to register my deep concern at Russia's new anti-gay law, which criminalises freedom of expression. As you will be aware, President Vladimir Putin has outlawed public activism by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) individuals and imposed fines on those accused of promoting “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations.” Amongst other things, this is effectively a ban on activities such as providing sex education and other support to young people exploring their sexuality.
There is also a growing climate of fear and discrimination in the country. Citing just one recent example of Russia’s refusal to uphold basic rights, Amnesty International (July 2nd 2013) report that:
“Last Saturday, a lawful LGBTI gathering in St.Petersburg was broken up by the police following a complaint that it violated a ban on "propaganda of homosexuality". Activists were assaulted by anti-gay protestors. The police detained 55 LGBTI activists; at least one sustained serious injuries.”
Given the FCO’s track record of actively promoting LGBTI equality in Eastern Europe, I am incredibly disappointed that the British Prime Minister has not taken a strong stand against the explicitly homophobic laws in Russia and the state’s attacks on the LGBTI community. It’s not enough for Britain to set an example, we should also be actively fighting attacks on LGBT people across the world, and in particular by governments.
I am therefore, on behalf of a number of constituents, adding my voice to calls for the UK to boycott the forthcoming winter Olympics in Russia unless the host country meets its international human rights obligations, especially with regards to LGBTI rights. Such a move would send an unambiguous message that Britain stands for equality and fairness, as well as help build the pressure on President Putin to put an end to his crackdown on the LGBTI community. Please do what you can to stand up for LGBTI rights and also use your influence to urge the International Olympic Committee to take a strong stand against homophobia in Russia ahead of the Games and to condemn Russia's anti-gay laws.
I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Caroline Lucas, MP, Brighton Pavilion
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