Deutsche AIDS-Hilfe is calling on people to take part in the "Enough is enough - Open your mouth!" demonstration in Berlin next Saturday and declares its solidarity with Russia's gays, lesbians, bisexuals and people with trans identities.
There is currently a pogrom atmosphere in Russia. The "propaganda law", which effectively bans any positive or neutral portrayal of same-sex lifestyles, is a fundamental attack on human rights. Incited by the Putin government, citizens are hunting down people who are homosexual or live in "non-traditional relationships".
Carsten Schatz, member of the Executive Board of Deutsche AIDS-Help:
"In Russia, human lives are at risk and human rights are being trampled underfoot. The law prohibits an open and self-determined life. Homosexuals are persecuted, tortured and exposed on the internet. There have already been deaths. Homophobia kills!"
An effective HIV-Prevention for gay men is not possible under these circumstances. Carsten Schatz comments:
"Anyone who does HIV prevention work in Russia or is interested in protection against HIV during sex between men has one foot in prison. Prevention projects are obstructed and harassed in their work. If gay men have to hide, they can't be reached for prevention. Discrimination also discourages HIV test off. This also puts people's lives at risk and contributes to the spread of HIV."
Deutsche AIDS-Hilfe is calling on the German government to use its influence with Russia to end the persecution of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and people with trans identities in Russia.
The demonstration "Enough is enough - Open your mouth" is organised by private initiators and supported by many organisations and institutions. It starts on Saturday at 12 noon on Kurfürstendamm and ends in front of the Russian Embassy on Unter den Linden.
Interview with organiser Alfonso Pantisano in the blog of Deutsche AIDS-Hilfe
Petitions:
President Putin: Stop the Russian Anti-Gay Law
To the German Olympic Sports Confederation : Setting an example against homophobia in Russia
