Political party starts petition to ban Russian politicians supporting anti-gay law from entering Canada

The New Democratic Party (NDP) in Canada has launched a petition calling for the government to ban Russian politicians supporting anti-gay laws from entering the country.

Paul Dewar, NDP foreign affairs critic, has said Canadians should sign the petition to communicate that the Russian legislation is unacceptable.

Dewar did applaud the government on speaking out against the laws, he said it should go further by banning the politician from getting travel visas to Canada.

He took to the streets in Toronto’s gay area on Saturday, and encouraged passers-by to sign the petition. The petition, also online, will be presented to government next month once Parliament resumes in October.

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird spoke out last month to condemn recently introduced anti-gay laws in Russia as “hateful”, and said the law, which prohibits the “promotion” of homosexuality could incite violence.

Meanwhile, it was announced earlier this week that singer Selena Gomez had been banned from performing in Russia due to her open support for gay rights. 

President Vladimir Putin signed the law in June banning the promotion of “non-traditional relationships” toward minors, a move that has been criticised as part of a broader crackdown on Russia’s gay community.

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