“Prison Break” star and “Stoker” scribe Wentworth Miller came out as gay in a letter sent Wednesday to the St. Petersburg International Film Fest, declining to participate because of Russia’s anti-LGBT laws.
“I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government,” Miller wrote. “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.”
GLAAD spokesman Wilson Cruz released a statement: “Wentworth’s bold show of support sends a powerful message to LGBT Russians, who are facing extreme violence and persecution: you are not alone. 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.”
Russia’s anti-LGBT legislation have attracted international censure since the nation’s parliament passed a law in June, which bans “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” and imposes fines on those holding gay pride rallies.
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Read Miller’s full letter here.
