Gay rights group All Out demonstrated outside Coca-Cola headquarters Monday, asking the beverage giant to speak out against a new Russian anti-gay “propaganda” law before the upcoming Sochi Winter Olympics.
The group targeted Coca-Cola because it’s one of the biggest sponsors of the Olympics, as well as being a friend to the gay and lesbian community, said All Out spokesman Joe Mirabella.
Three trucks circled Coke’s North Avenue headquarters Monday with the message: “Coca Cola, don’t stay bottled up, speak out against Russia’s anti-gay laws.” The group also has collected more than 140,000 signatures on its website calling on the company to speak.
Russian President Vladimir Putin in June signed into law a bill that banned “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations to minors,” which many believe is aimed at silencing the nation’s gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered communities.
Coca-Cola declined to comment Monday, but referred to an earlier statement: “We support the core values of the Olympic Movement – excellence, friendship and respect – and are proud to continue our role in helping to make the Olympics a memorable experience for athletes, fans and communities all around the world. We are engaging with the International Olympic Committee on this important matter.”
