Guest EXPAT Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 After being urged to cancel a scheduled concert in St. Petersburg, Russia, because of the city’s recently passed "gay propaganda" law, Madonna announced that she would use the show as an opportunity to speak out against the anti-gay legislation. "I will come to St. Petersburg to speak up for the gay community and to give strength and inspiration to anyone who is or feels oppressed," the singer told Bloomberg Businessweek in an email. "I don’t run away from adversity. I will speak during my show about this ridiculous atrocity." Just a few days ago journalist Masha Gessen wrote an opinion piece for the New York Times asking the queen of pop to cut her Aug. 9 performance. Gessen also urged that tourists cancel any vacation plans to St. Petersburg and told major companies to pull out of any deals they have with the city. Earlier this month, St. Petersburg’s legislative assembly passed the "homosexual propaganda law," which will fine individuals up to $16,000 for "promotion of homosexuality" and "pedophilia among minors." The law defines "homosexual propaganda" as "the targeted and uncontrolled dissemination of generally accessible information capable of harming the health and moral and spiritual development of minors," that could create "a distorted impression" of "marital relations." Madonna’s announcement coincides with the release of her new homoerotic music video for "Girls Gone Wild." The track is the second single from her twelfth studio album, "MDNA," which comes out on March 23. The pop star performed during the halftime show at this year’s Super Bowl, which was dubbed by some as the "gayest sporting event in recent years." Several Christian groups were up in arms about the Material Girl headlining the event and some groups even created a "pro-family alternative" for the show -- a video of Indianapolis Colts’ head coach Tony Dungy and his wife asking Christians to adopt orphans. Pop sensation Lady Gaga has been a strong force for the LGBT community and has spoken out against anti-gay laws and bullying. Most recently, she launched the "Born This Way Foundation" and spoke at Harvard University with Oprah Winfrey. The organization’s mission is to encourage individuality and self-expression among young people, especially LGBT youth. In June of last year, Gaga gave a speech during Europride (a pan-European international LGBT pride event) and criticized a number of European countries for their anti-gay views. While Madonna may not have been as vocal or "out-there" supporter of gay rights as Gaga, she has also done several concerts -- most notably the 1987 Madison Square gig in New York City for the American Foundation for AIDS Research -- for gay and AIDS causes. The Material Girl has an out-gay brother, Christopher, and has spoken out for gay rights in forums such as "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hitoallusa Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 I think she made a good choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members JKane Posted March 24, 2012 Members Share Posted March 24, 2012 I will certainly have a whole new respect for her if she gets herself arrested protesting Russia's actions in this matter... Author of St. Petersburg's Anti-Gay Law Will Attend Madonna Concert, Prosecute If Necessary The man behind St. Petersburg, Russia's gay "propaganda" bill is threatening Madonna over her plans to speak out against the law when she comes to the city for a concert, ABC News reports. The bill’s author, city assemblyman Vitaly Milanov, says he wants Madonna charged under the new law if she speaks out against it during her concert. He said he was willing to attend the show “to control its moral content.” “I’m ready to personally suffer a couple of hours of her concert,” he told the Russian Interfax news agency. Read more: http://www.towleroad...l#ixzz1q4nCF300 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest hitoallusa Posted March 24, 2012 Share Posted March 24, 2012 Well Madonna is an international figure and it will hurt Russia's image. Why is that guy hates gays so so much? L - U - V Madonna! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members JKane Posted March 25, 2012 Members Share Posted March 25, 2012 If Russians are anything like American politicians it's because he's actually a huge closet-case himself! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EXPAT Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 That's probably true. The vile hatred these closet cases have are amazing to me. All it does is point the finger even LOUDER to them. It's very strange if you ask me. I would love to see Secretary Hillary Clinton have to come to Madonna's rescue. . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
