NEW ZEALAND: Parliament Unanimously Passes Resolution Slamming Russia

Via the New Zealand Herald:

Parliament has unanimously passed a motion in support of gay rights in Russia ahead of the Winter Olympics. Green MP Jan Logie moved that "the House wish our athletes competing in the Winter Olympics in Sochi well, and note Russia's recent passing of anti homosexual legislation, and ask the New Zealand Government to urge other governments and the Winter Olympics Organising Committee to protect the rights of all people in Russia regardless of their sexual orientation." Russia's anti-gay legislation has drawn severe criticism from international leaders, athletes and rights activists ahead of the Games, which begin on February 7. Gay New Zealand speed skater Blake Skjellerup said last week he would not compete at next month's Games.

MP Logie says that New Zealand is the first national government to make such a statement. (Tipped by JMG reader NZArtist)