Obama to include gay rights activists in Russia meetings
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 3 September 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Obama to include gay rights activists in Russia meetings, 3 September 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/525e3f333.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
September 03, 2013
Russian riot policemen detain a gay rights activist during an unauthorized rally in central Moscow earlier this year.
U.S. President Barack Obama will include Russian gay rights activists among rights campaigners and leaders of non-governmental organizations whom he will meet later this week when he is in St. Petersburg for the Group of 20 summit on September 5-6.
U.S. officials frequently meet with civil society groups when visiting Russia, angering the Kremlin. But it appears to be the first time activists of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights movement have been included in a presidential-level meeting.
Russian rights activists said the meeting is scheduled for September 5.
Obama and his administration have voiced concern over a law recently passed by Russia's parliament that targets "homosexual propaganda."
Based on reporting by AP and ABC
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
