Canada Warns Against Travel To Russia

In light of the anti-gay laws passed in several major Russian cities - the Russian Orthodox Church wants the bans to be made nationwide - Canada's foreign minister has warned LGBT Canadians to think twice before traveling to Russia. It's good advice and is in keeping with my belief that LGBT individuals should boycott anti-gay nations. Hence, you won't see me traveling to Russia any time soon. I'll spend my money in friendlier nations. CTV.ca has details. Here are some highlights:

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.

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.

As I said in my previous post, religion and religious induced bigotry are one of the great evils of the world today. Hopefully, other nations will join in with Canada and recommending that travel to Russia be avoided.