UK Gay Rights Activist Detained in Russia as World Cup Begins

Just two days after the anniversary of the Orlando nightclub shooting, UK gay rights activist Peter Tatchell was detained in Russia for a supposedly illegal protest. Tatchell was eventually released, after being told that he was due to appear in court later this month. The accusation against him is that he violated laws which bar “all protests near the Kremlin and during the World Cup.”

Tatchell later tweeted: “[I am] glad to stand in solidarity with Russian and Chechen LGBTs.” His protest was a result of inhumane treatment of the LGBTQ community in Chechnya. Just last year, hundreds of men were allegedly held and abused in detention centers because of their sexual orientation. Chechyna’s leader himself denied the allegations and asserted that there are no gays in his Russian republic and that they should be removed from the region if there are.

Even though homosexuality was decriminalized in Russia in 1993, homophobia and discrimination are still common.

Fans traveling to Russia for the World Cup were actually being warned about this racism and homophobia, with heightened risks for the LGBTQ community. So not only do they face the risk of violent discrimination from Russian citizens, they also face the risk of inadequate protection from the state itself.

“It is very important to continue working with a younger generation of fans and young players, explain to them through games and sports about respect not only for their team, but also for their rivals, to convey the idea that everyone in this world is equal,” said retired Chelsea midfielder Alexei Smertin in May, according to a statement cited by Russian state news agency TASS.

As a citizen of the world, it is our duty to fight for the rights of marginalized and oppressed communities, including those of the LGBTQ. Racism and discrimination is something that is still very prevalent in our society, but if we just sit back and watch it, how can it ever be extinguished?

Featured Image via: Flickr/Southbanksteve