Stephen Gilbert, Liberal Democrat MP for St Austell & Newquay, secured a commitment from the Government today to press the Russian President over rising anti-gay attacks in Russia.
Following a series of measures by the Russia government to ban “pro-homosexual” content, there has been a rise in the number of attacks on gay people in the country.
This has given concern to many that right-wing anti-gay groups appear to be emboldened by the Russian government’s stance and have stepped up violent and harassing attacks on the Russian gay community.
Stephen Gilbert MP, who is openly gay and a long term supporter of gay rights in Parliament, voiced his concerns to the Foreign Secretary today on the floor of the House of Commons.
He asked:
“What representations has he had on this issue and will he raise the issue with the Russian President at the G20 summit?
In the Minister’s response, it was confirmed that the matter has been raised previously by the Foreign Secretary and the Prime Minister. He also secured a commitment from the department that the Prime Minister will raise the matter with Vladimir Putin, the Russian president at the next G20 meeting.
Stephen Gilbert MP, said:
“As Western Europe finally moves toward full legal equality for LGBT people the direction of travel in Russia is more than worrying. It’s vital that Britain continues to press President Putin on this issue at the G20 and I welcome the assurance that Ministers have given me today.
“I want to see our Government take a firm stance on this issue and to make it clear to the Russians that this law is unacceptable. We must condemn those involved in the alarming increase in harassment and violence against gay and lesbian people and we expect the Russian authorities to properly hold these people to account for this disgraceful behaviour.”
Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, said:
“Russia’s anti-LGBTI laws are an abuse of human rights. It doesn’t reflect well on Britain that we’ve so far failed to adequately challenge them.
“I’ve written to the Foreign Office, and called on the Prime Minister to be more vocal, so I’m pleased that he’s now going to raise this directly with Putin. He needs to do in the strongest possible terms as it’s vital the UK takes a stand against attacks on LGBTI people wherever they occur”
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