Travel Warning re St. Petersberg, Russia

[tenni]

OTTAWA—Canada is warning gay and lesbian travellers bound for Russia’s historic St. Petersburg to be wary after the city enacted a new law banning what it calls homosexual propaganda.


Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird has told the House of Commons he is deeply concerned by the legislation, which he says runs counter to core Canadian values of freedom of speech, human rights and the rule of law.


The warning comes after the governor of St. Petersburg signed a law that makes it a criminal offence to publicize acts of sodomy, bisexualism or lesbianism.
The city says the law, which comes into effect Saturday, is designed to protect children.


But gay rights groups see it as part of a backlash led by some politicians and the Russian Orthodox Church.


St. Petersburg is the fourth Russian city to be enact such a law.


Baird said Canada has lodged an official protest, as well as warning travellers.


“Canada’s ambassador has written to the Russian government to express our deep concern and, yes, we have at his request, put a travel advisory on our website,” Baird said.


Scenic, historic and cosmopolitan, St. Petersburg is one of Russia’s top travel destinations.
Canada’s new travel advisory has been amended to read: “Homosexuality is legal, though some still strongly disapprove of it. Canadians are advised to avoid displaying affection in public, as homosexuals can be targets of violence.”


The advisory states that the new law prohibits “propagandizing homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality and transsexuality among minors, and prohibiting public actions propagandizing pedophilia.”


Among other things, the advisory warns travellers against “displays or conspicuous behaviour,” which could lead to arrest or a fine.


Baird said he will consider amending travel advisories to other destinations to deal with specific threats to gay and lesbian travellers.


“We’ll certainly look at that,” said Baird. “Obviously one of the core responsibilities I have as Canada’s foreign minister is to promote Canadian values around the world, and I will continue to do this.”

[Gearbox]

Does that mean that in St Petersberg that if you say your a lesbian, gay or bi, that it will be viewed as an admission of paedophilia?:eek:

[tenni]

LOL
Yes, Gear. It does seem to tie being bi or gay/lesbian as admitting that you are a paedophile doesn't it.

When I was there in the early 90's some women artists that I spoke to in Petersberg denied that HIV even existed in Russia. I suspect that they didn't believe that there were any gay/lesbians or bisexuals either. In a round about way, then Russia admits that there is more than heterosexuality. ;)

[Gearbox]

Best put that 'Iron Curtain' back up for the 'sexual deviants' or it could end up like Salem there.:yikes2:

[void()]

The warning comes after the governor of St. Petersburg signed a law that makes it a criminal offence to publicize acts of sodomy, bisexualism or lesbianism. The city says the law, which comes into effect Saturday, is designed to protect children.

It sounds to me like the governing bodies are just asking people to be decent and respectful of children. I do not perceive this to be anyone implying homosexual, bisexual are pedophiles. What I read of it is like a friendly reminder. While I am not a supporter of censorship, I also do not support being disrespectful and distasteful in public.

Of course, I may be missing the whole point completely. That happens.

[slipnslide]

So I guess if John Baird travels there he'll be acting all straight? :)

[tenni]

Slippy
Do you know something about Baird that we don't know? ;)

Void
Is the law makers of St. Petersberg making a connection between bisexuality, homosexuality and being a risk to damage children? It is not just sodomy but the actual sexuality of people is being connected as a danger to children. Well, that is how I interpret what was written.

[jimdawg]

Since when is being openly gay disrespectful of children? In the US, gays are still subject (as are straights) to decency laws-regardless if you like those laws or not. This law is targeted against gays, and says nothing about straights being respectful to children.

[slipnslide]

Slippy
Do you know something about Baird that we don't know? ;)


Google it.

[joshuasfriend]

I agree with you, jimdawg. There is an obvious target here. It's perfectly fine and beautiful if heterosexuals go down the street hugging, hand in hand, and smooching. When two people of the same sex walk about doing those thing, however, they need to be stopped because they are disorderly, degenerate perverts who are a menace to society.

[void()]

Went back and reread it. Still seems to be a basic call for decency for me.


Canada’s new travel advisory has been amended to read: “Homosexuality is legal, though some still strongly disapprove of it. Canadians are advised to avoid displaying affection in public, as homosexuals can be targets of violence.”


The advisory states that the new law prohibits “propagandizing homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality and transsexuality among minors, and prohibiting public actions propagandizing pedophilia.”


Among other things, the advisory warns travelers against “displays or conspicuous behaviour,” which could lead to arrest or a fine.


“Homosexuality is legal, though some still strongly disapprove of it. Canadians are advised to avoid displaying affection in public, as homosexuals can be targets of violence.”

Being a target of violence can occur to anyone, anywhere for any reason. St. Petersburg is not alone in having people targeted for violence. In some parts of the Southern U.S. people can still be hung for the pigment of their skin. In parts of California, if you wear a red or blue bandana you risk being killed by the opposing gang.

advisory states that the new law prohibits “propagandizing homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality and transsexuality among minors, and prohibiting public actions propagandizing pedophilia.”

So, it prohibits being indecent in public. It says you are not permitted to propagandize sexuality, which means you can not pass out fliers inviting everyone to a lecture on how much better being queer is over being straight. This seems to infer that straights may not do likewise. And you especially can not do so among children. Okay, they're asking folks to be decent.

Again this is not a market cornered by St. Petersburg. The U.S. has laws regarding decency. Why is it bad or negative to ask people to be respectful of others? In fact shouldn't we all try to be anyway, without being asked?

Among other things, the advisory warns travelers against “displays or conspicuous behaviour,” which could lead to arrest or a fine.

So, if you are caught being disrespectful in public you might get fined or arrested. I would think some tolerance would be given. For example, a cop sees two guys walking down the street holding hands. The cop may approach them and give them a few stern words. "Don't do this in public. We can put you in jail for it or write up a fine. I'll let you slide this time but I better not see it again." Where as soliciting sex from minors might merit a cell more quickly.

Still don't quite see the fuss.

[tenni]

hmm Void
It seems that you are stating that Canada should also post an advisory warning about GLBT travelling in the USA as well as Russia? You seem to be writing that your country is a dangerous place and Canadians should watch what they do and say while in your dangerous country?

[void()]

hmm Void
It seems that you are stating that Canada should also post an advisory warning about GLBT travelling in the USA as well as Russia? You seem to be writing that your country is a dangerous place and Canadians should watch what they do and say while in your dangerous country?

People in general, that is all walks of life and all nationalities, need to act with a modicum of decency, common sense and respect of others. That is what I am saying. It should be clearly obvious the world in general can at any time be a dangerous place for anyone, for any reason.

This is not localized to any one place. All places may be dangerous for some, all people at any time. If you act decently, use common sense and respect others, you may better the odds of avoiding danger/violence. It seems that some think it far better to exaggerate the issue, rattle the saber of fear than suggest personal responsibility.

We are all doomed when someone takes a stand admitting, "I was fined for holding hands in public. I chose to do the prohibited and accept responsibility for the fine." Surely, the world will come to a complete stop, all life will end upon that fateful day. I am trying to add some levity and probably not doing too well at it. Hopefully, I have at least articulated the point correctly and appropriately.

If not apologies. I do have to pass off any communication to an editorial staff and a few lawyers now. They help to ensure I am communicating in a politically correct, non-offensive, and concise way. You may discuss any errors or misunderstandings with them, and that is their suggestion.

Apologies, have been told I must also list behavioral and cognitive psychologists upon the communication screening board. The lawyers felt it appropriate to add this.