Lady Gaga thanks Russian Prime Minister for his softer stance on gay people
The singer Lady Gaga has posted two messages of support for the anti-homophobia comments made by the Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.
The star wrote:”Thank You Prime Minister Medvedev for not standing by your party’s anti gay propaganda law & instead supporting my show+fans all over Russia.”
In a second Tweet, Gaga wrote: “Prime Minister Medvedev please accept my gratitude I am looking forward to performing in RUSSIA & celebrating our cultures coming together.”
The posts were made ahead of a concert in St Petersburg, a city that has recently introduce stringent anti-gay legislation.
“Not every moral issue, behavioral habit or communication issue between people should be regulated,” he said. “This is why not all relationships between people are subject to a legal interpretation.”
He went on to say that the issue of being gay doesn’t actually concern many people in Russia, and that there is too much hype surrounding the issue. He continued:“Probably this issue does not concern too many people in the country, and it’s not discussed at all levels.”
At the same time, Mr Medvedev did admit that State Duma lawmakers were permitted to submit any bills, or proposals, to parliament.
The law equates homosexuality with “paedophilia” and was passed by the city on February 29 of this year – despite more than 270,000 people signing an online petition against the measure.
The St Petersburg law came under fire from the LGBT community, and human rights activists worldwide, however it has also been proposed that the law should be made federal. Fines can be issued to people breaking the law in St Petersburg.
Nine plaintiffs had said they were “desperate” to make the Material Girl pay for their “moral suffering” following her performance in the city during August. It was after she spoke out against the ban on stage and handed out pink bracelets.
The lower house of Russia’s parliament may begin talks on 19 December, on fines of up to 500,000 Rubles (£10,000), for “promoting” homosexuality among minors.
