A Manchester MP is putting pressure on the government to double its efforts to promote LGBT rights in Russia ahead of this week’s Manchester Pride Big Weekend celebrations.
Lucy Powell, MP for Manchester Central, has appealed to the Foreign Secretary, William Hague, for the government to do ‘everything in its power’ to support LGBT rights in Russia.
She said there is a stark contrast between conditions in Russia and the local support for Manchester Pride.
Ms Powell said: “Manchester is renowned for being a gay-friendly city and this is something us Mancunians are very proud of.
“Manchester Pride is a chance for us to have fun and to reflect on the advances we have made in the UK, including most recently with the passage of equal marriage legislation.”
“However it also highlights a stark contrast with the situation in Russia, where the rights of LGBT people seem to be being taken away rather than strengthened.”
Russia has received international condemnation following recent legislation restricting the so-called ‘promotion’of homosexuality and a spate of videos online showing gay people apparently targeted for abuse and violence.
She added: “I want the UK to be proud of our record on gay rights but also work to promote the rights of LGBT people in Russia and internationally.”
Picture courtesy of Dionysus via Flickr, with thanks.
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