Campaign Asks Individuals to Join “Stop LGBTQ Hate in Russia”

(San Francisco, CA, September 5, 2013)—Today, the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) announced the launch of a campaign—”Stop LGBTQ Hate in Russia”—calling on global companies doing business in Russia to demand the repeal of new laws that target and hurt lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people and allies.

Over the past few months, Russia has enacted a series of extreme anti-LGBTQ laws that forbid any public advocacy or positive discussion of LGBTQ people, ban same-sex couples from adopting children, and even prevent the use of the internet to communicate about LGBTQ isues. Just recently a new proposed law would remove children from same-sex parents and terminate the parental rights of anyone engaging in “homosexual behavior.”

The petition urges companies that do business in Russia and have non-discrimination policies to call on the Russian government to repeal these dangerous laws which have sparked violent attacks against people who either are or are believed to be LGBT.

Through this effort, individuals who sign onto the Stop LGBTQ Hate in Russia petition are asking corporate leaders support workplace fairness for their LGBTQ employees to use their influence and leadership to speak out against government-sponsored discrimination in Russia and to use their unique position to help bring an end to the dangerous government scapegoating of LGBTQ people.

“Russia’s appalling treatment of LGBTQ people has taken a shocking turn with the passage of these horrific laws,” said NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell. “In the wake of these laws, discrimination and violence against the LGBTQ community in Russia are utterly unchecked. We cannot sit on our hands and do nothing. If we are to ever live in a world where the security and safety of our LGBTQ brothers and sisters are ensured no matter where they live, we must fight back in every way we can.”

Learn more about the campaign at www.StopLGBTHateRussia.com and sign the petition.