as he takes a stand against Russia's homophobic laws
Television star Wentworth Miller announced he was gay on Wednesday in order to
take a public stand against homophobia in Russia.
The Prison Break star declined an invitation to a Russian
film festival after the country passed a series of anti-gay laws.
The 41-year-old Prison Break star had been asked to attend
the St. Petersburg International Film Festival.
'As a gay man, I must decline,' he wrote in his reply, which
was made public by the campaigning group GLAAD.
'I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men
and women by the Russian government,' Wentworth added in his letter.
'The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good
conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where
people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live
and love openly,' he said.
Wentworth said if circumstances improved he would be free to
make a different choice - adding that he had 'a degree of Russian ancestry' and
had enjoyed past visits to the country previously.
The actor was immediately praised by gay rights advocates.
'Wentworth's bold show of support sends a powerful message
to LGBT Russians, who are facing extreme violence and persecution: you are not
alone,' said GLAAD spokesperson Wilson Cruz in reference to the country's
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
'As people from across the globe continue to speak out
against Russia's horrific law, more celebrities and corporations should follow
his courageous lead in openly condemning Russia's anti-LGBT law,' he added.
Russian President Vladimir Putin in July signed a law
banning the adoption of Russian-born children by gay couples.
Putin in June signed another bill that classified
'homosexual propaganda' as pornography and provides for fines and arrest for
those making it accessible to minors.
A law passed in 2012 also banned public gay pride events in
Moscow for the next 100 years.
The Russian laws have sparked protests in the US where some
gay rights advocates have poured Russian vodka in the streets.
The laws also have caused some concern among athlethes who
will be heading to Russia for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games.
Source: Daily Mail
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