Tell the UFC to Boycott Russia

Tell the UFC to Boycott Russia

To:  The Ultimate Fighting Championship, UFC Sponsors, and the FOX Television Network

We, the undersigned, demand that the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which is to be honored as “Corporation of the Year” by the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada, boycott Russia by not holding any events in that country until the Russian government ends its persecution of LGBT people and repeals its anti-LGBT laws.

 
Despite the recent international outcry and protests against Russia’s new anti-LGBT laws, on August 29, 2013, UFC President Dana White said the cage fighting promotion is planning to hold an event in Russia and was unaware of discriminatory legislation in the country. When asked by the media about Russia’s anti-gay legislation, Dana White twice said, “I know nothing about it.”

The time has come for the world’s largest promoter of professional cage fighting events, which is to be honored by the LGBT Center in Las Vegas as “Corporation of the Year”, to demonstrate publicly its opposition to the government of Russia’s continued repression of its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

In Russia, it is now a crime for parents to tell their children that homosexuality is normal, to speak in defense of gay rights, and to equate gay and heterosexual relationships.  Anyone who makes pro-gay statements to children can be fined or thrown in jail. It is now illegal for loving and nurturing couples, living in countries where same-sex marriages are permitted, to adopt children from Russia. In addition, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a discriminatory bill allowing police officers to arrest and detain gay, or even “pro-gay,” foreigners for up to 14 days.

There is even a law from President Putin’s ruling party that would allow authorities to seize children from gay parents. The proposed law would add homosexuality to a list of conditions, including drug and child abuse, which can lead to parents being stripped of custody of their children.

These draconian laws criminalize even minor displays of affection among gay couples, and send the unambiguous message that it is wrong to be gay and wrong to tell others that it is all right to be gay. Activists say the hateful legislation has led to an increase in homophobic violence against gay people. Shocking videos have appeared online of what appear to be young Russian gay men tortured, threatened with axes and even forced to drink urine.

This summer, gay rights groups in 33 countries and 21 cities held protests against Russia’s assault against gay rights.

Some UFC cage fighters and company representatives have made slurs against LGBT people in public.  By holding an event in Russia, the UFC risks being associated with state-supported homophobia, discrimination and hate.

You have a duty to your fans, to your employees, to your sponsors, to your business partners, and to LGBT people everywhere, to take speak out clearly and publicly in favor of LGBT equality in Russia.