RUSSIA: St. Petersburg Authorities Threaten To Arrest Madonna

Earlier this week Madonna vowed to break St. Petersburg's new "don't say gay" law during her coming concert. Today the bill's author declared that he will be at the venue and will charge Madonna, should she break the new law against promoting homosexuality.

The law, which took effect March 11, in part prohibits “the propaganda of homosexuality and pedophilia among minors.” Gay rights activists say it would criminalize even reading, writing or speaking about gay, lesbian, or transgender people. Violations can carry hefty fines, ranging from about $170 for individuals up to $16,700 or organizations and businesses. The bill’s author, city assemblyman Vitaly Milanov, says he wants Madonna charged under the new law if she speaks out against it during her concert. He said he was willing to attend the show “to control its moral content.” “I’m ready to personally suffer a couple of hours of her concert,” he told the Russian Interfax news agency.

Some Russian LGBT activists have denounced Madonna's refusal to cancel. Famed activist Nikolai Aleksev:"“The law will stay in force, Madonna will leave and the Russian LGBT community will be humiliated even more." Other gay groups say they welcome any attention Madonna can bring to their plight.