MILAN, Italy — Venice is seeking to break off cultural relations with St. Petersburg because of the Russian city's legislation curbing gay rights.
The city council invoked Venice's "history, international prestige and conscience" in a motion unanimously approved Monday evening asking the city administration to refrain from cultural exchanges as long as anti-gay laws are in place. The motion says "the city of Venice cannot ignore what is happening in the institutions" and asked officials to communicate the reason for the unilateral action.
Two of Europe's cultural jewels, Venice and St. Petersburg signed an agreement in 2006 to pursue cultural and other exchanges.
St. Petersburg is one of a number of Russian cities that have passed laws banning what they call "homosexual propaganda." The Kremlin also is pushing such a law.
(AP)
Related articles:
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.