Premium Content:

Madonna Slams Putin's "Intolerance of Gay Rights"

Madonna

At a recent Amnesty International Concert, Madonna made a speech condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attitude towards human rights.

- Advertisement -

When introducing the band Pussy Riot, she said that Putin’s regime showed “blatant intolerance of gay rights, artistic freedom, freedom of speech, and human rights in general.”

She also discussed Pussy Riot’s arrest, which occurred after the band performed an anti-Putin protest song. “I was shocked and outraged when I heard about this, and I spoke about it openly on stage [in Moscow] during my show.

“For this I received several death threats.

“From there we went to St Petersburg. My show was being damned by the regime for being a ‘gay show’, and for ‘promoting homosexuality’. All the people working on my show were told that we may be arrested.

“I was not arrested, but 87 of my fans were arrested for gay behaviour — whatever that means.

“What I realised when I went to Russia, and saw what was going on with Pussy Riot, and what was going on with the gay community, was how lucky I was and am to live in a country where I can speak my mind.

“It’s time for the rest of the world to be as brave as Pussy Riot, to stand up against people like President Putin that do not respect human rights, and perpetuate oppression, discrimination, and injustice of any kind.

“We all have a moral obligation to stand up for anyone who’s being persecuted, whether it’s down the street from us, or on the other side of the world.”

Latest

Colleen Altstock appointed new US Consul General for Western Australia

Consul General Altstock has just commenced her three-year term.

Bibliophile | ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ author delivers new memoir ‘All The Way To The River’

Although Eat, Pray, Love chronicles her relationships with men, this latest memoir sees her in a relationship with her best friend Rayya.

Report details rise in anti-LGBTIQ+ rhetoric in global elections

Outright International is highlighting the prominence of anti-LGBTIQ+ rhetoric in political campaigns around the world.

Government announces funding support as WA Music Week kicks off

WA Music Week has a jam-packed program with more than 65 local acts across 13 venues.

Newsletter

Don't miss

Colleen Altstock appointed new US Consul General for Western Australia

Consul General Altstock has just commenced her three-year term.

Bibliophile | ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ author delivers new memoir ‘All The Way To The River’

Although Eat, Pray, Love chronicles her relationships with men, this latest memoir sees her in a relationship with her best friend Rayya.

Report details rise in anti-LGBTIQ+ rhetoric in global elections

Outright International is highlighting the prominence of anti-LGBTIQ+ rhetoric in political campaigns around the world.

Government announces funding support as WA Music Week kicks off

WA Music Week has a jam-packed program with more than 65 local acts across 13 venues.

The Whitlams and WASO team up for a symphonic performance

Australian indie rock legends The Whitlams are joining forces...

Colleen Altstock appointed new US Consul General for Western Australia

Consul General Altstock has just commenced her three-year term.

Bibliophile | ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ author delivers new memoir ‘All The Way To The River’

Although Eat, Pray, Love chronicles her relationships with men, this latest memoir sees her in a relationship with her best friend Rayya.

Report details rise in anti-LGBTIQ+ rhetoric in global elections

Outright International is highlighting the prominence of anti-LGBTIQ+ rhetoric in political campaigns around the world.