Translated material
Madonna will support the rights of sex minorities during a concert in St. Petersburg
The popular American singer Madonna intends to support the rights of sex minorities in Russia during her concert, which will be held in St. Petersburg in August 2012, RIA Novosti reports.
“I am a fighter for freedom. My show, my songs, my work, my art. This is all about freedom of expression. Freedom to choose, speak, act. Always with humanism and compassion. I will come to St. Petersburg to talk with members of the gay community, help them, give strength and inspire everyone who is oppressed or feels like that. I don't run from hardships. During my show, I will talk about this ridiculous cruelty, ”─ the agency quotes the singer’s message on her Facebook page.
On March 19, Izvestia reported that Russian journalist Masha Gessen, through his blog on the website of the new York Times, appealed to Madonna to refuse a concert in St. Petersburg to “demonstrate her attitude to the introduction of the law.”
In turn, the members of the Organizing Committee of the Slavic gay parade announced their intention to hold protests during the Madonna concert in St. Petersburg. Thus, according to the statement of the press service, they want to "draw attention to the general problem of hypocrisy of Western stars."
On March 7, 2012, a city law was adopted in St. Petersburg providing for fines for the promotion of homosexuality and pedophilia among minors. For such offenses, the law provides for fines for both individuals and legal entities.