THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

Over the past few months, Russia has enacted a series of extreme anti-LGBT laws that forbid any public advocacy or positive discussion of LGBT people, ban same-sex couples from adopting children, and even prevent the use of the internet to communicate about LGBT issues. Just recently a new proposed law would remove children from same-sex parents and terminate the parental rights of anyone engaging in "homosexual behavior."

The petition urges companies that do business in Russia and have non-discrimination policies to call on the Russian government to repeal these dangerous laws, which have sparked violent attacks against people who either are or are believed to be LGBT.

Through this effort, individuals who sign onto the Stop LGBT Hate in Russia petition are asking corporate leaders who support workplace fairness for their LGBT employees to use their influence and leadership to speak out against government-sponsored discrimination in Russia and to use their unique position to help bring an end to the dangerous government scapegoating of LGBT people.

"Russia's appalling treatment of LGBT people has taken a shocking turn with the passage of these horrific laws," said NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell. "In the wake of these laws, discrimination and violence against the LGBT community in Russia are utterly unchecked. We cannot sit on our hands and do nothing. If we are to ever live in a world where the security and safety of our LGBT brothers and sisters are ensured no matter where they live, we must fight back in every way we can."

Learn more about the campaign at www.StopLGBTHateRussia.com and sign the petition.

The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the human and civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education. www.NCLRights.org