Number
130643
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. ZIELINSKI, KOVAC, PEREZ AND BAUMAN
Title
Resolution expressing the City of Milwaukee's opposition to recently-enacted anti-gay laws in Russia and calling upon the repeal of such laws.
Analysis
This resolution expresses the City of Milwaukee's strong opposition to anti-gay laws recently enacted in Russia. The resolution also calls upon Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian leaders to repeal such laws and enact new laws that treat all people with respect, dignity and equality that are their human rights.
Body
Whereas, Many Milwaukeeans have watched with growing alarm in recent months as the Russian government has tightened its crackdown on the rights and freedoms of gay people and their supporters; and
Whereas, The actions of Russia's leaders mark a shameful step backward toward Soviet laws that banned homosexuality outright; and
Whereas, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed legislation that allows police to arrest tourists and foreign residents suspected of being gay or pro-gay rights and detain them by up to 14 days; and
Whereas, Other legislation classifies gay rights as "homosexual propaganda" and pornography with vague wording that could subject anyone promoting tolerance or educating children about homosexuality to arrest and fines; and
Whereas, President Putin also signed a law banning the adoption of Russian-born children by gay couples and by any couple or single parent living in any country where marriage equality exists; and
Whereas, The new laws contravene Russian commitments to human rights and fundamental freedoms under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe; and
Whereas, This kind of hate-fueled intolerance has no place in the modern world; and
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee has a long-standing commitment against discrimination of any type and is deeply concerned by the negative consequences of the laws, which would increase discrimination and violence against people based on their sexual orientation and gender identity; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Common Council expresses its strong opposition to anti-gay laws recently enacted in Russia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Common Council calls upon President Putin and other Russian leaders to repeal the recently-enacted anti-gay laws and enact new laws that treat all people with the respect, dignity and equality that are their human rights.
Requestor
Drafter
LRB148627-1
TWM:lp
8/2/2013