Around 30 demonstrators
gathered outside the Russian Embassy in Wellington this afternoon
protesting against Russia's gay rights issues.
The
protest, organised by gay rights grou Queer Avengers, is part of a
growing global recognition of the issue including calls to boycott the
Winter Olympics in Russia next year.
Protester
Sara Fraser says the group wanted to "send a message of solidarity" to
the people affected by a newly-passed law in Russia.
The
law, signed by Russia's president Vladimir Putin, imposes fines and up
to 15 days in prison for people accused of spreading "propaganda of
non-traditional sexual relations" to minors and large fines for holding
gay pride rallies.
Another protester Ian Anderson says the protest is part of a global struggle against oppression.
"Their struggle is our struggle. People worldwide are angry and sending a clear message to Putin. This has to end and end now."
A number of high-profile celebrities including British actor Stephen Fry and musician Lily Allen have called for next year's Winter Olympics in Sochi to be moved because of the gay rights issue.
iler accident
atch Now »Mr Fry wrote an open letter to U Prime Minister David Cameron urging him to enforce a boycott ofthe upcoming games.
Meanwhile Kiwi Olympic speed skater and openly gay athlete Blake Skejellrup told CNN today athletes should still go to the Olympics.
"I don't support a boycott at all. I believe in the power of visibility."
"If
the world shows up, athletes like myself, straight athletes, supporters
all show up in Sochi to voice their support for this issue, I think it
would be a lot stronger than a boycott."
The New Zealand Olympic Committee says it does not support a boycott of the games either.
A
spokesperson says there is "little to be gained" and the organisation
hoped positive change would come from cultures working together.
"We
know that previous Olympic boycotts have done little to solve the
conflicts at hand and instead have deprived athletes the opportunity to
represent their country."
3 News
Online Reporter
Friday 09 Aug 2013 5:09p.m.
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