Madonna to support ‘Forbidden Love’ in Russia

Madonna’s upcoming gig in Russia won’t be all singing and dancing. Having described herself as a “freedom fighter”, the pop star promised to speak up for the gay community during her show in St Petersburg.

­The singer’s plans to support Russia’s gay community come as a reaction to the recent law adopted by the Governor of St Petersburg, Georgy Poltavchenko. It bans the promotion of gay lifestyles in the country. A number of the country’s gay rights and human rights watchdogs have found it discriminatory, Madonna among them.

The new version of the law describes what is meant by “public activities aimed at the propaganda of sodomy, lesbianism, bisexuality, and transgender among youth.” Such actions include “spreading information that can damage the health and moral development of underage children, and make them believe that both traditional and gay relationships are normal.”

Madonna has announced on her Facebook page that she will come to St. Petersburg on August 9 “to speak up for the gay community, to support the gay community and to give strength and inspiration to anyone who is or feels oppressed. I don't run away from adversity. I will speak during my show about this ridiculous atrocity,” Madonna replied.

The American diva is not the first celebrity to decry the Russian law. British actor and comedian Stephen Fry also recently voiced outrage over it, describing its authors as “fantastical monsters”.