A few hundred people took part in a protest Tuesday night against Russia’s anti-gay crackdown ahead of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games.
The protest was held in front of the Russian Consulate in Vancouver.
A Facebook page titled Global Speak Out for Russia in Vancouver says the event was timed to take place as St. Petersburg is set to host the meeting of the G20 on September 5 and 6.
While the summit is supposed to focus on issues like financial markets and unemployment, rally organizers say the summit is the best time to spread the message.
Organizer Jennifer Breakspear said “we need to draw attention to the issue. There is some that still don’t know enough about it, and we need to make sure that our world leaders are drawing attention to the issue. Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other G20 leaders are going to be in St. Petersburg… President Obama and Prime Minister Cameron have already committed that they will speak directly to Vladimir Putin about the anti-gay law. We want a commitment from Prime Minister Harper that he’s going to do the same thing.”
Russia’s new anti-gay law penalizes anyone who distributes so-called gay propaganda.
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The controversial legislation has been subject to a lot of backlash in recent months, with many calling on the international community to boycott the Sochi games.
“The games are not going to be moved, we know that,” said Breakspear. “The IOC said that this week, but we’re really concerned what’s going to happen for the athletes, for spectators, and in the lead up to the games, and after the games, the people that live in Russia. The LGBT community in Russia.”
Last month, the Russian government assured the International Olympic Committee it will not discriminate against homosexuals during the Sochi Olympics.
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