Gay Bars Boycott Russian Vodka
Gay bars in Australia and the United States are protesting Russia’s recent implementation of laws limiting the rights of LGBT people by boycotting Russian vodka and other Russian products.
Russian President Vladimir Putin recently signed laws forbidding same-sex couples from adopting Russian children and banned “gay propaganda”.
Melbourne gay bar the Laird Hotel announced that it “would no longer order any new Smirnoff products” in protest on Facebook this afternoon.
“Given Russia’s war on the GLBTI community, we are strongly in favour of boycotting any products which are Russian owned or produced. We are currently speaking to our liquor provider and investigating removing Smirnoff from the Laird and replacing it with an alternative vodka,” the Laird said.
Sydney’s Gay Bar did likewise, posting that “we wanted to confirm we DO NOT sell RUSSIAN Vodka. We’re proud to use an Australian brand which is totally organic”.
Chicago gay bar Sidetrack announced via Facebook on Wednesday that the bar has removed Stolichnaya Vodka from its shelves.
