Obama to meet with Russian gay rights activists
- 11 years ago
As leaders of the world's 20 largest economies prepare to gather in St. Petersburg, President Obama has accepted an invitation that isn't likely to please his Russian host.
He'll be meeting with Russian human rights groups who say they're worried about Moscow's approach to gay rights, and a perceived crackdown on dissent.
Svetlana Barsukov of the 'Coming Out' Project
SOUNDBITE: Svetlana Barsukov saying(Russian):
"For us it's crucial that such discussions continue, so that Russia feels pressure from other countries, and knows that if human rights violations, including gay and lesbian-rights violations take place here, it will not go unnoticed and unpunished."
The announcement on Tuesday is welcome news to activists who have held demonstrations in the UK and Germany in support of gay rights.
Obama will meet with the activists the day before the G20 --- a move that won't do much to ease U.S.-Russian relations, which have been strained over differences r
He'll be meeting with Russian human rights groups who say they're worried about Moscow's approach to gay rights, and a perceived crackdown on dissent.
Svetlana Barsukov of the 'Coming Out' Project
SOUNDBITE: Svetlana Barsukov saying(Russian):
"For us it's crucial that such discussions continue, so that Russia feels pressure from other countries, and knows that if human rights violations, including gay and lesbian-rights violations take place here, it will not go unnoticed and unpunished."
The announcement on Tuesday is welcome news to activists who have held demonstrations in the UK and Germany in support of gay rights.
Obama will meet with the activists the day before the G20 --- a move that won't do much to ease U.S.-Russian relations, which have been strained over differences r