Anti-Putin protest outside Downing Street over Section 28 gay law
Protestors will gather outside Downing Street tomorrow to urge David Cameron to put more pressure on Vladimir Putin over a new anti-gay law branded Russia's Section 28.
The demonstration is part of a series of international demonstrations in 19 cities designed to maximise Russia's embarrassment ahead of a St Petersburg G20 summit later this week.
"This June, president Putin signed legislation that effectively bans positive debate or portrayal of LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual] people and relationships," Peter Tatchell said.
"Putin’s regime has banned all protests in the city of Sochi in the run up to the Winter Olympics. It has also banned the hosting of a Gay Pride House at the Sochi Games.
"Gay athletes and spectators attending the Winter Olympics held in Sochi in 2014 could potentially face fines or jail sentences for affirming their support for LGBT equality."
Protestors will meet outside Downing Street in the afternoon and use the hashtag #Russia4Love to coordinate the event.
The action takes place amid concerning reports of Russia ultra-nationalist groups conducting violent attacks on suspected homosexuals.
"A humanitarian crisis is also unfolding in Russia as Putin's crackdown on the basic human rights of Russian citizens intensifies," Andre Banks, executive director and co-founder of All Out said.
"Russia's own constitution is under assault as Putin cracks down on the rights of gays and lesbians, any NGO receiving non-Russian funding, and free speech rights for all Russians."
