Russian gay cops met their Swede colleagues anonimously
Five Russian gay policemen, three of them are currently servicing in the law enforcement and security structures of Saint-Petersburg and two were dismissed from service in the police due to their sexual orientation, anonimously met their colleagues from Sweden in the framework of "QueerFest" program. According to organizers' information, the Swedes were represented by Joran Stanton, the founder of Gay Policemen Association of Sweden.
"While gay cops in Sweden openly march wearing their uniform in a single column on Gay Pride, there are no open gay people in the Russian police. Is it possible? According to recent statement of Mr.Putin, homosexuals "are being promoted at service without any hurdles". Nevertheless, one may get to know about the non-traditional orientation of a policeman only via gossips. And if it comes true then it will ruin their career. It happened with Andrey who had got to leave after 9 years of servicing due to homophobic hounding at work. Sveta had also to leave because she openly supported and stood for her gay co-worker and saved him from bullying. Both of them now participate in human rights street actions...', tell LGBT activists from Saint-Petersburg about the situation in Russia.
Russian participants revealed that they were "happy" because they did not have a chance to enforce order on dispersal of LGBT community's public actions. But they are aware that the time will come and they will have to choose - to do or not to do...It may cost them a career.
Members of the police said that they still have not got any instructions clarifying the situation with the federal law that banned the so-called "homopropaganda to minors". Saint-Petersburg has enforced the local law "on homopropaganda" since spring 2012 - a year earlier than it was done on the federal level.
QueerFest organizers note the courage of these policemen who came to meet their Swedish colleague."We are grateful for their refusal to keep silence and we are proud that there are such people in the Russian police...", says the press release that was published after the event.
English translation presented by Yerdna Bananes
Russian participants revealed that they were "happy" because they did not have a chance to enforce order on dispersal of LGBT community's public actions. But they are aware that the time will come and they will have to choose - to do or not to do...It may cost them a career.
Members of the police said that they still have not got any instructions clarifying the situation with the federal law that banned the so-called "homopropaganda to minors". Saint-Petersburg has enforced the local law "on homopropaganda" since spring 2012 - a year earlier than it was done on the federal level.
QueerFest organizers note the courage of these policemen who came to meet their Swedish colleague."We are grateful for their refusal to keep silence and we are proud that there are such people in the Russian police...", says the press release that was published after the event.
English translation presented by Yerdna Bananes
