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Madonna, who’s recently performed live shows in Russia, has been in the news due to showing support to the campaigners Pussy Riot, which young 3 members, 2 of which are mums, were jailed last week for 2 years due to ‘hooliganism’.
According to the Guardian, Madonna had ‘No Fear’ written on her back, which attacked a city law that was imposed in March, which leads to fines for spreading ‘homosexual propaganda’. Previously, she had called the law a "ridiculous atrocity".
Although homosexuality, which was punished with jail time in the Soviet Union, was decriminalised in 1993, the LGBT community remains underground as prejudice still runs deep.
10 Russian anti-gay campaigners have filed a lawsuit that amounts to up to $10,000,000 due to Madonna defying the 'homosexual propaganda' law.
Darya Dedova, one of the 10 activists who filed the lawsuit in a St Petersburg court, told the Guardian: According to Dedova, if they win the money, it will go to orphanages.
This comes at the time where gay marches have been banned for a 100 years in Moscow. Gay rights protests and rallies in the Russian capital have often ended up in clashes with anti-gay rights activists and police.
Madonna isn’t the only singer raising her voice in protest with what’s going on in Russia currently, especially considering Pussy Riot. Bjork has recently released this formal statement showing her support to the group:
According to the Telegraph, Sir Paul McCartney has also voiced support for the group, urging them to “stay strong” in a letter addressed to the three twenty somethings who have been sent to prison for 2 years. Sir Paul also stated:
According to the Guardian, Madonna had ‘No Fear’ written on her back, which attacked a city law that was imposed in March, which leads to fines for spreading ‘homosexual propaganda’. Previously, she had called the law a "ridiculous atrocity".
WATCH // Madonna's Free Pussy Riot Speech
Although homosexuality, which was punished with jail time in the Soviet Union, was decriminalised in 1993, the LGBT community remains underground as prejudice still runs deep.
10 Russian anti-gay campaigners have filed a lawsuit that amounts to up to $10,000,000 due to Madonna defying the 'homosexual propaganda' law.
Darya Dedova, one of the 10 activists who filed the lawsuit in a St Petersburg court, told the Guardian:
“She had been warned with words that she should behave in line with the law and she ignored it. So we will speak in the language of money. Of course, it is difficult to measure moral damages and suffering but maybe people who earn money regardless of moral rules will better understand this."
This comes at the time where gay marches have been banned for a 100 years in Moscow. Gay rights protests and rallies in the Russian capital have often ended up in clashes with anti-gay rights activists and police.
Madonna isn’t the only singer raising her voice in protest with what’s going on in Russia currently, especially considering Pussy Riot. Bjork has recently released this formal statement showing her support to the group:
“Dear folks,
Here comes a statement in defense of Pussy Riot:
As a musician and a mother I would like to express I fiercely don't agree with them being put to jail because of their peaceful protest performance. They are currently standing trial and facing seven years in prison for this.
In my opinion the russian authorities should let them go home to their families and children.
I would like to invite Pussy Riot to join me in a particular song on stage: which was written for all enhancement of justice ( you can guess: once , which one)
Warmth, Björk”
“I would like you to know that I very much hope the Russian authorities would support the principle of free speech for all their citizens and not feel that they have to punish you for your protest.
“Many people in the civilised world are allowed to voice their opinions and as long as they do not hurt anyone in doing so I believe this is the best way forward for all societies.”
