Manchester and St Petersberg debate LGBT freedom

You will, of course, be aware that the government of St Petersburg has recently passed legislation to restrict the "promotion of homosexuality" in the city.

Manchester, as the UK's second city has been twinned with St Petersburg, Russia's second city, for 50 years. As part of the events to mark this anniversary, our Lord Mayor and Deputy Leader are currently in St Petersburg and are taking the opportunity to meet the governor to urge him to veto the legislation. We're also meeting LGBT groups in the city and will present a letter of solidarity from Manchester's Lesbian and Gay Foundation.

All of which is pretty newsworthy. We believe this is the first civic delegation to visit the city since the laws were passed.

Councillor Sue Murphy, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: "Our friendship with St Petersburg is one that has lasted 50 years, and we consider it an honour to have such a close and enduring relationship with Russia's second city. Our ties with the people of St Petersburg are strong and the friendship has stood the test of time. When you have been friends for so long - whether it be a person or a city - it gives you the right to point out when your friend is doing something wrong. This bill is simply wrong. It is bad for LGBT people living in the city, and it is bad for St Petersburg's reputation across the globe. This trip gives us the opportunity to  make this point clearly at the highest level in St Petersburg - before it is too late. We will urge the governor to veto this ill-conceived piece of legislation.

"Manchester has a deserved reputation as one of the most tolerant and open cities in the world. That has done our city nothing but good. It encourages tourism and investment, it means that people come to Manchester to make our city their home. It aids cohesion and brings all of our communities closer together. We're rightly proud of our gay rights record and hope the governor will listen to us and reject this dreadful piece of legislation.

"Our message is simple - equality is not something anyone should fear.

"During this visit we will also meet with LGBT leaders in the city, presenting a letter of solidarity from the Lesbian and Gay Foundation and giving them the strong message that the people of Manchester - gay and straight - stand shoulder to shoulder with them."

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Published: 8-Mar-2012: (1173)