whenmyeyesroam

celeryaneffigy:

We just heard the news: in less than a week Russian lawmakers are expected to pass a law that will silence millions by making it a crime to read, write or even discuss anything “gay.” Even worse, if this law passes in “liberal” St. Petersburg, the ruling party’s next step is to push this law nationwide.
The Governor of St. Petersburg is our last chance to stop this bill: he has the power to veto it. So with your help, we’re going to hit him where it counts : in the City’s wallet.
Saint Petersburg is one of Russia’s number one tourist destinations. That’s why an international storm of bad publicity will force the Governor to think twice about the cost of signing this bill.
We have less than a week to act: add your name to this urgent call. Next week All Out members around the world are organizing flashmobs in front of Russian embassies and consulates - from New York to Buenos Aires, Paris to Delhi - where they will deliver your signature straight to the government’s doorstep:
www.allout.org/stpetersburg-dont-go
Conservatives in St. Petersburg intent on passing this “gay gag rule” believe they can casually dismiss calls from world leaders - and even the country’s own international treaty obligations respecting freedom of expression. But at the same time, Russian leaders recently announced that they want to invest $11 billion dollars to build their international reputation and attract tourists from around the world. St. Petersburg, Russia’s cosmopolitan “window to the west” is key to that strategy. But they can’t have it both ways - a thriving tourist economy can’t coexist with a new law that will muzzle artists, writers, musicians and regular citizens who live in - or visit - the city.
Imagine for a moment the new St. Petersburg - where newly empowered “thought police” can fine you for any mention of the well known fact that famed Russian composer Tchaikovksy, a St. Petersburg native, was gay. This law will censor millions of Russians, gay and straight - and silence any and all human rights organizations in Russia fighting for equal rights.
Will you take one minute to urge Governor Georgy Poltavchenko to veto the bill that is going to stain St. Petersburg’s international reputation - an issue close to his heart?
www.allout.org/stpetersburg-dont-go

I keep being amazed that this bill keeps bubbling to the surface and spreading, so I’m hoping a lot of you will join me in signing the petition and hopefully doing what we can to aid the Russian people in stopping the bill.

We just heard the news: in less than a week Russian lawmakers are expected to pass a law that will silence millions by making it a crime to read, write or even discuss anything “gay.” Even worse, if this law passes in “liberal” St. Petersburg, the ruling party’s next step is to push this law nationwide.

The Governor of St. Petersburg is our last chance to stop this bill: he has the power to veto it. So with your help, we’re going to hit him where it counts : in the City’s wallet.

Saint Petersburg is one of Russia’s number one tourist destinations. That’s why an international storm of bad publicity will force the Governor to think twice about the cost of signing this bill.

We have less than a week to act: add your name to this urgent call. Next week All Out members around the world are organizing flashmobs in front of Russian embassies and consulates - from New York to Buenos Aires, Paris to Delhi - where they will deliver your signature straight to the government’s doorstep:

www.allout.org/stpetersburg-dont-go

Conservatives in St. Petersburg intent on passing this “gay gag rule” believe they can casually dismiss calls from world leaders - and even the country’s own international treaty obligations respecting freedom of expression. But at the same time, Russian leaders recently announced that they want to invest $11 billion dollars to build their international reputation and attract tourists from around the world. St. Petersburg, Russia’s cosmopolitan “window to the west” is key to that strategy. But they can’t have it both ways - a thriving tourist economy can’t coexist with a new law that will muzzle artists, writers, musicians and regular citizens who live in - or visit - the city.

Imagine for a moment the new St. Petersburg - where newly empowered “thought police” can fine you for any mention of the well known fact that famed Russian composer Tchaikovksy, a St. Petersburg native, was gay. This law will censor millions of Russians, gay and straight - and silence any and all human rights organizations in Russia fighting for equal rights.

Will you take one minute to urge Governor Georgy Poltavchenko to veto the bill that is going to stain St. Petersburg’s international reputation - an issue close to his heart?

www.allout.org/stpetersburg-dont-go

I keep being amazed that this bill keeps bubbling to the surface and spreading, so I’m hoping a lot of you will join me in signing the petition and hopefully doing what we can to aid the Russian people in stopping the bill.