The Russian government has recently enacted barbaric laws promoting and supporting the persecution of the LGBTQ community. Anyone, LGBTQ or not, can be tried under these new laws - even foreigners. Simply talking about gay rights can land someone in prison. Atrocities are being committed daily by 'vigilante' citizens against the LGBTQ community - maiming, torture and mockery are commonplace. The basic human rights of the LGBTQ community of Russia have been violated - rights that we take for granted in Canada. We are calling on the Liquor Control Board of Ontario to immediately stop the purchase, sales, and distribution of all products made in Russia, in order to show solidarity with our brothers and sisters suffering at the hands of this oppression.

According to the LCBOs website (http://www.lcbo.ca/socialresponsibility/ourcommitment.shtml), the crown corporation is committed to social responsibility. It is time for the LCBO to be true to it's word and to stand strong with the LGBTQ community of Ontario, of Russia and across the world.