Dancer-actor Mikhail Baryshnikov has
released a statement in support of a group opposed to Russia's “gay
propaganda” law.
“My life has been immensely enriched
by gay mentors, colleagues and friends and any discrimination and
persecution of gay people is unacceptable,” Baryshnikov wrote.
“Equal treatment of people is a basic right and it is sad that we
still have to even speak about this in the 21st century.”
Baryshnikov, 65, gave the statement to
the New York-based No
More Fear Foundation, which helps LGBT people who are facing
persecution in their countries to seek asylum in the United States.
“I salute No More Fear Foundation for
stepping in so quickly to provide the much necessary assistance to
gay and lesbian people who are fleeing prosecution and help them lead
a proud life in their new country.”
The law, approved in June, has provoked
worldwide outrage and calls for a boycott of the Winter Olympics to
take place in Sochi next year.
(Related: U.S.
Olympic Committee adds sexual orientation to charter.)
Other celebrities who have spoken out
against the law include Sir
Elton John, Cher,
Lady
Gaga and Tilda
Swinton.