The former Communist nation is said to be tightening its boot straps against performers who voice their opinions on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender movement. In turn, promoters for Gomez’s scheduled performances at St. Petersburg’s Ice Palace and Moscow’s Olimiisky stadium have announced the shows were canceled.
“This cancellation of Selena Gomez’s visa shows that the Russian government is sensitive and on the defense, and shows that the pressure from people all around the world and the backlash against these laws is strong,” U.S.-based author and gay rights activist John Becker told E!
Becker launched a petition on Change.org encouraging Gomez to take a stand for Russia’s LGBT crowd while she performed.
The petition titled “Selena Gomez: Speak Out For Equality in Moscow and St. Petersburg” stated, “Next week, Selena Gomez is scheduled to perform two concerts in Russia -- one of the most anti-LGBT countries in the world. I want her to stand on stage and speak out for Russia’s LGBT community.”
To date, the call for action has been supported by 9,629 people from around the United States.
“They’re afraid to have someone like Selena Gomez come in and potentially use her platform to advance LGBT rights,” Becker said to E!
Reps for Gomez have declined the Daily News' request for comment.
While Gomez, 21, won’t be touching down at any Russian arena anytime soon, the “Love Will Remember” singer continues on her Stars Dance tour with upcoming performances in the United States.
