Pop stars Lady Gaga and Madonna are
facing punishment in Russia after authorities determined they
violated their visas when they held concerts there last year.
Technically,
the artists were not allowed to work in Russia on their tourist visas, but
experts say it appears the visa warning is a veiled attempt punish the pop
stars for their vocal support of gay rights in Russia.
The
investigation into their visas came at the urging of a lawmaker who has
spearheaded Russia’s anti-gay campaign.
“The
Russian government is sending a shot across the bow to Lady Gaga, Madonna, and
other performers who are taking up gay rights in Russia,” said Paul Saunders,
the executive director of the Center for the National Interest.
During
concerts in St. Petersburg last year, both Lady Gaga and Madonna denounced the
city’s harsh anti-gay law from the stage.
“Tonight,
this is my house Russia. You can be gay in my house,” Lady Gaga said during her
performance in December.
A few
months earlier, Madonna made similar comments during her concert.
“Gay
people here and all around the world have the same rights,” she said.
Those
comments have landed the pop stars in hot water in Russia. The two have been
accused of spreading what the law calls “gay propaganda” under St. Petersburg’s
anti-gay law.
The law
makes it illegal to even speak about homosexuality around minors. The measure
has been popular in Russia, a country where homosexuals are often the target of
violence. It has been so popular, in fact, the law was adopted nationally in
June. Violators, including foreigners, face fines, deportation, and even jail.
In the
United States, the law has sparked calls for a boycott of Russian products like
vodka. Some have even called for a boycott on next year’s Winter Olympics,
which will be held in the Russian city of Sochi.
Amid the
outrage, Russia announced on Friday it will suspend the law for athletes and
fans during the games.
Russia
hasn’t announced any plans to prosecute the pop stars, but if convicted they
could face steep fines or even be banned from entering the country.
So far
there has been no response yet from either Lady Gaga or Madonna.
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