Post date: Aug 10, 2013 12:29:42 PM
NVO - Gay bars across the British capital are boycotting Russian vodka.
It's a protest against a controversial new Russian law which is being seen as anti-gay.
The law bans the spreading of "propaganda for non-traditional sexual relations" to minors.
The law was passed by the Russian parliament two months ago.The boycott started around two weeks ago, with bar owners in U.S. cities known for their gay communities such as New York and San Francisco refusing to sell Russian vodka.
Leading gay campaigners in Britain support the move.
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGNER, PETER TATCHELL,
"I think we need to recognise that boycotts and protests are very effective ways of showing the feelings of people around the world towards what is a very draconian new law that does criminalise many expressions of gay identity and visibility.''
But some customers at this London bar don't think the boycott goes far enough.
CUSTOMER AT BAR, SAV,
''I think it will draw attention to the problem, but I'm not sure it will resolve the issue altogether. Definitely will draw attention and raise people's awareness of the LGBT population is facing inRussia today.''
The protest movement is now gaining ground here in London and elsewhere in the world with vocal gay communities.
Campaigners are turning their attention to upcoming high-profile sporting events in Russia, including the World Athletics Championships which has just started in Moscow and the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.