Intolerant Eurovision Host Gays Face Rampant Homophobia in Azerbaijan

[xchrom]

http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/homophobia-rampant-in-eurovision-host-country-azerbaijan-a-835265.html

The Eurovision Song Contest has a massive gay following. But homophobia is rife in this year's host country, Azerbaijan, where gays and lesbians have to keep a low profile and fear violent attacks. Even so, locals say that gay Eurovision fans traveling to Baku needn't fear for their safety -- because the regime doesn't want any trouble.


"Gays?" says the Azerbaijani man. "I hate them! I don't know any, and I don't want to meet any. In our view, they aren't people."

The man, who does not want to be identified by name, is not stupid. He has a university degree and is sympathetic to democracy and the European Enlightenment. But he is also a Muslim. A secular, modern Muslim, so he claims -- but one who hates gays.
The Eurovision Song Contest, which is being held this year in the Azerbaijan capital Baku, has a massive gay and lesbian following around the world. But homophobia is rampant in Azerbaijan, where many people consider the word "gay" to be an insult and the government uses accusations of homosexuality to discredit members of the opposition, regardless of their sexuality.

[William769]

1. This is wrong on so many levels.

"Eurovision fans traveling to Baku needn't fear for their safety -- because the regime doesn't want any trouble." Could that be because of dollar signs? What if the dollar signs weren't there? Business as usual?

[xchrom]

2. i don't believe they're safe -- i do think azerbaijan wants the money. nt

[closeupready]

3. 'I'm not gay, but my boyfriend has been told he is.'

Suggestion for a t-shirt silk screen.