Actions speak louder than words, as the old saying goes — and members of the cult German rock band Rammstein proved this by sharing an on-stage kiss to protest homophobia in Russia at their Moscow concert this week.
While recent polling has suggested that Russian attitudes toward equal rights for LGBT people are at a 14-year high, intolerant attitudes toward same-sex relationships are still prevalent and Russian law prohibits the display of “homosexual propaganda” toward minors. This month, a prominent Russian LGBT activist was killed in St. Petersburg after being featured on a website that encourages people to “hunt down” sexual minorities.
Guitarists Paul Landers and Richard Kruspe shared the kiss on-stage during the band’s performance of the song “Aüslander” at their Luzhniki Stadium concert.
Rammstein later shared a photo of the kiss on their Instagram, adding the caption “Russia, we love you!” in Russian.
The kiss was hugely popular with fans, who have tweeted and commented in support of the band's "power move."
The band, which gained fame for their outrageous stunts and music videos which explore sexuality, have often voiced their support for the LGBT community. Landers and Kruspe have kissed several times on-stage during their current European tour.
Under Russia's “homosexual propaganda” law, foreigners who promote “non-traditional” relationships among minors can be detained for up to 15 days before being deported or fined up to 5,000 rubles ($78) and deported.
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