17.09 Seattle Mayor Counters Russian Consuls Criticism over Gay Rights Protest
WASHINGTON, September 17 (RIA Novosti) The mayor of Seattle has vigorously defended his participation in a protest against Russias recently enacted law banning the promotion of non-traditional relationships, during which he held a Stop Putin sign, in an official letter to the Russian consul-general that was also posted online.
Consul-General Andrey Yushmanov defended Russias treatment of homosexuals in comments reported by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Yushmanov also complained that he was unpleasantly surprised by photographs showing Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn holding the sign during the protest which was held outside the consul-generals residence Sept. 3.
Personally, Im sure that to portray the President of Russia, Mr. Vladimir Putin, in such a way is absolutely unjustified, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported Yushmanov as saying Monday.
But McGinn countered that he was supporting Seattles values and that I stand with the conviction that these Russian laws, which negatively affect LGBT [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender] people and their families, should be repealed.
While proponents of the new law argue it is aimed at protecting children, critics claim the legislation is part of a much wider crackdown on Russias LGBT community.
McGinn, who is running for reelection, is trailing his opponent, State Sen. Ed Murray, according to a recent poll cited by a local television news website.
Murray, who is openly gay, also attended the rally outside the consul-generals residence, according to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
