APPEAL TO EMOTION

WATCH: AllOut Tells St. Petersburg Governor Not To Tarnish Tchaikovsky’s Legacy With Anti-Gay Bill

In this masterfully created video, an international LGBT activism group called AllOut beseeches St. Petersburg regional governor Georgy Poltavchenko not to sign a recently passed bill that outlaws “promotion of homosexuality.” It’s brilliantly cut with an emotional orchestral piece by St. Petersburg’s very own gay musician, Pyotr Tchaikovsky.

Polina Savchenko, the director of Coming Out, an LGBT organization based in St. Petersburg, had this to say:

“This radical law undermines the great legacy of our city’s past and future.  If it passes, it would be illegal to mention that famed Russian composer of the 1812 Overture, St. Petersburg native Tchaikovksy, was gay. This law installs a culture of censorship in what was once Russia’s most cosmopolitan city and is a huge blow to the freedom of expression in Russia.  At a time when people all over the world are opening up and coming out, this law puts Russia back in the closet.”

Said AllOut.org’s Executive Director Andre Banks:

“This reputation can’t coexist with a new law that will muzzle artists, writers, musicians and regular citizens who live in—or visit—the city,” says AllOut.org Executive Director Andre Banks. “This bill, which would violate Russia’s own constitution as well as any number of international treaties, is an outrageous attack on the freedom of expression for all Russians—straight and gay. It must not be allowed to stand.”

Take a stand with them and sign their online petition—it takes less than two minutes.

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