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The National Union is providing financial contribution to the Russian LGBT Network and encourages others to do likewise. The Network is doing amazing work in the face of both state repression and street violence.
Ottawa (11 Feb. 2014) – As the medal count for Canadian athletes grows, so does the controversy around Russia's treatment of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) people.
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUGPE) condemns Russia's repressive anti-gay laws and the vicious street assaults of LGBT people that authorities are refusing to act on. That the Russian police and state are so willing to ignore violent gangs of thugs attacking LGBT people is deplorable.
Pride in our athletes
“It is inspiring to see the culmination of decades of training and work demonstrated in a short period of competition. We have already seen some spectacular performances,” said NUPGE National President James Clancy.
“But our athletes are making us proud both in and out of competition by taking a stand with their LGBT teammates, friends and family. It is a testament to how far we have come in Canada in respecting the fundamental human rights of these groups.”
Clancy added, “I also see it as a reminder that we have to continue to expand and defend the rights of LGBT people in Canada.”
Supporting the struggle in Russia
For those of us in Canada, the question is how to meaningfully support efforts in Russia to oppose this attack on the human rights of LGBT people. While international attention on this egregious assault on human rights in Russia is important, we must also support efforts of grassroots activists.
For this reason the National Union has decided to provide a financial contribution to the Russian LGBT Network and encourages others to do likewise. This organization is doing amazing work in the face of both state repression and street violence.
Contact the Russian LGBT Network to make a contribution today.
More information:
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE