Congress Addresses Chechnya

Congress has passed a bipartisan resolution condemning the violence & persecution against gay & bisexual men in Chechnya. Congressman David Cicilline LGBT Caucus Co-Chair stated, “I’m proud that the House passed this strong resolution condemning the recent violence targeting gay men in Chechnya. Now, it’s critical that we do more to ensure those fleeing horrific violence can relocate somewhere safe. This is an important step, but there is much more work left to be done.” Florida Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen who has a transgender son & is a member of the House LGBT Equality Caucus & introduced House resolution 351 May 23rd stated, "We will continue to stand united with the LGBT community & shine a bright light on these atrocities, which are encouraged by the evil Putin regime in Russia, in order to help ensure that those who are responsible for these crimes are held to account for their despicable actions." Rep. Alan Lowenthal LGBT Equality Caucus Vice Chair concluded, "It is now up to President Trump, Secretary of State Tillerson & our United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley to follow through on the consensus of the House & bring as much domestic & international political pressure as possible on the Russian government to rein in these deplorable human rights violations.” The House resolution comes months after the Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta first reported that members of Chechen law enforcement were targeting gay & bisexual men. The Russian LGBT Network described that roughly 100 LGBTQ men were initially captured by authorities & taken to a detention center where they were beaten, tortured & deaths were reported.
For More Info...
LISTEN: Bride Pride Event Returns This July In Provincetown