AT&T Decries Laws Limiting LGBT Rights

Human Rights First applauds today’s statement from AT&T condemning Russia’s anti-propaganda law that targets the LGBT community. AT&T, a sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC), said in a blog today, “We support LGBT equality globally and we condemn violence, discrimination and harassment targeted against LGBT individuals everywhere.”

“American businesses play an integral role in supporting the USOC and athletes participating in the Olympic Games,” said Human Rights First’s Shawn Gaylord, who is in Russia now for the Games. “It is essential that these businesses take that support a step further and show leadership in the fight for equality. We praise AT&T for taking on such a role.”

Human Rights First’s delegation, which includes gay Olympian David Pichler, is currently in Russia for the Sochi Games. While there, they will engage the international media and human rights defenders about the crackdown on civil society in Russia. They will also work to ensure that attention to these issues continues once the Games are over. Human Rights First continues to urge the U.S. government to keep up the pressure on Russian lawmakers to repeal the anti-propaganda laws and prevent the passage of further discriminatory laws.