Wednesday, December 4, 2013 9:39am ET by  
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Madonna slams Russia's anti-gay laws in open letter

Madonna has penned an open letter to show her dislike of Russia's strict laws on homosexuality.

The singer courted controversy in the country last year when she spoke out in favour of gay rights whilst on stage.

This flouted laws which make the promotion of homosexuality to youths illegal and a court case soon ensued. However, it was eventually dismissed.

Madonna has now backed Human Rights Campaign's Love Conquers Hate project with a letter of support, criticising the Russian government's stance on homosexuality. She wrote:

"Right now in Russia, LGBT people... are being targeted by hateful new laws that outlaw support for LGBT equality. Even with the 2014 Sochi Olympics just a few months away, fair-minded Russians are facing fines, harassment, and violence at the hands of thugs. At this dangerous moment in Russian history, we as advocates have a responsibility to speak up and take our hopeful message global. That's why I'm joining HRC's Love Conquers Hate campaign, in hopes that more and more fair-minded people around the world will stand up and fight against the Russian government's campaign of hate...

"The goal of these hateful laws [in Russia] is to leave LGBT Russians feeling isolated. Worthless. Completely alone. Together, we can send a message to LGBT Russians that the world is on their side, and that those who seek to support them aren't alone in this fundamental fight for fairness. It's time for love to conquer hate everywhere, for everyone. I hope you'll stand with me in this fight."

 

 

 

 

 

Watch Madonna perform live below: