Several gay bars in San Francisco and other cities have started tossing Russian vodka to protest the country's harsh anti-gay propaganda law. Under the new law it is now illegal, among other things, for LGBT people to display affection publicly; to send positive messages about LGBT people on social media sites; to broadcast positive news stories about LGBTs; to equate gay and straight relationships; and wear or display the rainbow flag or any other symbol of LGBT equality. Russian President Vladimir Putin, facing tough economic times at home, has decided it's better to unite homophobes in his country over their shared hatred of LGBT folks by using this new national law as an outlet. In the last few weeks, reports have surfaced about foreign LGBT visitors being detained and Russian LGBTs being beaten.
Make no mistake, this is a severe law with severe consequences. And it went into effect just months before Russia will take the world stage by hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Needless to say, the law could very well impact LGBT Olympians, foreign LGBTs visiting Russia to watch the games, and of course LGBT Russians themselves.
Short of boycotting the games, which would be disastrous and serve no real purpose, the U.S. government and U.S. corporations that sponsor the Olympics can do several things to bring attention to this draconian law and put Putin on notice that the U.S. will protest its enforcement during the Olympics �" for everyone, not just the athletes. And while the dump Russian vodka movement may not make much of a dent in the bottom line of liquor companies, in less than a week it has garnered national media attention, which in itself is a victory in that the coverage has made more people aware of the anti-gay propaganda law.
The burst of activity last week came on several fronts.
First, the SPI Group, which owns the Stolichnaya vodka brand, issued an open letter to the LGBT community July 25 in which CEO Val Mendeleev said that Stoli "firmly opposes" the "dreadful" actions taken by the Russian government and that the company "has always been, and continues to be a fervent supporter and friend to the LGBT community." Interestingly, had the letter come from Russia rather than Luxembourg, it probably would have violated the anti-gay propaganda law. In fact, Mendeleev noted that Stoli's production process involves both Russia and Latvia, and the Russian government has no ownership interest or control over the brand. While that may be the case, Stoli vodka is probably the best known Russian vodka and one that many bars stock. If SPI Group really likes LGBTs so much, Mendeleev should contact the Russian government and press for the law to be repealed. That might help send a message to Putin.
Regarding the upcoming Olympics. There are two players here, the International Olympic Committee and NBCUniversal, which broadcasts the games in the U.S. Last week the IOC reportedly issued a statement saying that it had received verbal assurances from the highest level of the Russian government that the anti-gay propaganda law will not affect those attending or taking part in the games.
That's not good enough. The IOC must obtain an ironclad, written agreement from Putin concerning visitors and participants to the Olympics. And even then, the IOC must educate athletes and visitors about the new law and possible consequences. More importantly, as the Human Rights Campaign pointed out, the IOC must advocate for the safety of all LGBT people in Russia, not just those visiting for the Olympics. Foreigners found in violation of the law could face fines, up to 14 days in jail, and deportation.
To add to the confusion, there were reports this week that a Russian lawmaker said the new law would be enforced and that gay athletes and visitors could be arrested. Vitaly Milonov, co-sponsor of the non-traditional relationships bill, said the government cannot decide when to selectively enforce the law, Gay Star News reported.
The IOC must demand answers from the Russian government now.
Broadcast giant NBCUniversal is also being urged to use its considerable clout to make a difference for LGBT people in Russia and visitors to the games. HRC sent a letter to CEO Stephen Burke last week outlining the situation. The company, HRC President Chad Griffin pointed out, "has a unique opportunity �" and a responsibility �" to expose this inhumane and unjust law to the millions of American viewers who will tune in to watch the games." If NBC's past coverage of the Olympics is any guide, there will be plenty of features on (mostly) American athletes. But the company must do more, and highlight the homophobic law that could threaten some of those very athletes. The law should also be mentioned on air during the opening ceremonies, which generally draws heavy viewership.
It's not just the Olympics, however, that people need to be concerned about. LGBTs must be warned of the new law, lest they visit the country and end up in jail for holding hands in Red Square. While homosexuality isn't illegal in Russia, talking about it is.