Hundreds protest in London against Russian anti-gay law

[dipsydoodle]

Source: Reuters

(Reuters) - Hundreds of people protested in London on Saturday against a Russian anti-gay propaganda law that has attracted international condemnation as the world athletics championships kick off in Moscow.

Gathering in the British capital near the residence of Prime Minister David Cameron and the foreign ministry, demonstrators called for the government to push Russia to repeal the laws.

"Putin is the 'Czar of Homophobia'," veteran gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell wrote on his website ahead of the protests.

"His regime has outlawed the public expression of LGBT (Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual) identity and affection - and prohibited the advocacy of LGBT human rights - in circumstances where a person under 18 might see it."

Clutching banners bearing slogans such as "Love Russia. Hate Homophobia" and rainbow flags, protesters called for a change in the policy that has attracted criticism from world leaders including U.S. President Barack Obama.

Read more: http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/08/10/uk-russia-gays-protest-london-idUKBRE97905I20130810

---

World athletics championships live from Moscow here : http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/athletics/23594046

Sochi Olympics Boycott Call Rejected By PM.

David Cameron has ruled out a boycott of the Winter Olympics in Russia, insisting attending is a better way to tackle anti-gay prejudice.

The Prime Minister spoke out following calls for the Games in 2014 to be moved because of Russia's anti-gay laws.

David Cameron said he had shared the "deep concern" about the abuse of gay people in the country.

But writing on Twitter, the Prime Minister said: "I believe we can better challenge prejudice as we attend, rather than boycotting the Winter Olympics."

http://news.sky.com/story/1126956/sochi-olympics-boycott-call-rejected-by-pm

[dbackjon]

1. Unless Western countries take substational actions during the games

Wearing pins, ribbons, holding signs during opening and closing ceremonies - this is all just bs talk from Cameron, Obama, etc.

[Alamuti Lotus]

2. This new law has caused more protests than the total obliteration of Grozny did

Gotta love the priorities of some people..

[nomorenomore08]

3. Both are blatant human rights violations.

Maybe the Russian authorities haven't outright murdered anyone yet, in this case, but this is the sort of thing which creates an atmosphere of violence.

[LiberalLovinLug]

4. I'd love to see athletes carry rainbow flags

during the opening/closing ceremonies, along with their countries flags. That would be the least they could do.