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21 Aug 2012

Offended, Russian anti-gay activists sue Madonna for US$10 million

Anti-gay activists in Russia have sued US pop star Madonna for about US$10.5 million, claiming they were offended by her support for gay rights during a recent concert in St. Petersburg and she had contravened Russian law by spreading homosexual "propaganda".

During her Aug 9 concert in St Petersburg, Russia's former imperial capital, Madonna asked her fans to raise their hands in support of gays and lesbians. According to online reports, the pop icon also stripped to her bra to reveal the words "No Fear!" written on her back and called on her fans to show "love and appreciation for the gay community." Concertgoers also received pink wristbands to wear as a sign of tolerance of the gay community.

Madonna stripped to her bra to reveal the words "No Fear!" written on her back and called on her fans to show "love and appreciation for the gay community." Photo: straight.com

Earlier this year, St Petersburg passed a citywide law that fines those "promoting homosexuality" to minors. The suit alleges there were fans as young as 12 at the Aug 9 performance. 

Although Russia legalised homosexuality in 1993 after the fall of the Soviet Union, it only ceased to classify it as a mental disorder in 1999. Anti-gay attitudes still run high in the country.

Darya Dedova, one of the activists who filed the lawsuit in a St Petersburg court, added that if they win the case the money will be sent to orphanages, reported Radio Australia.

Gay activists had earlier called on Madonna to cancel her concerts in Russia as a gesture of support for the gay community.

Russia

Reader's Comments

1. 2012-08-22 07:01  
Good for Madonna! Governments (especially Russisn) might be better off if they took the time to understand the difference between "promoting" homosexuality and supporting equality in homosexual rights...two VERY differnt things. Again...they missed the point as a result of their biased thinking.
I applaud Madona for her decades of supporting the gay community no matter the cost to her. She (and Gaga) have used their global visibility to support our community...we owe them our thanks!
2. 2012-08-22 21:16  
Love Madonna, love what she's doing for gay rights. You go girlfriend.
3. 2012-08-29 13:15  
She should sue them for billions for their bigotry. The ex-Soviet Union's center has moved from anti-Semitism to Homophobia.

When a people secretly detests itself it always finds a vulnerable scapegoat. Same in Indonesia.

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