BOYCOTT of Russian vodka has been encouraged by members of the LGBTQ community at YUSU club nights.
Campaigners Daisy Hale and Alex Wright want the Students Union to encourage Kuda, Tokyo, Club Salvation and Vodka Revolution to discontinue sale of the alcoholic beverage after the Russian Parliament voted to pass a law imposing heavy fines on information given about homosexuality to under-18s.
The movement, which officially launches on Sunday of week 7, aims to ‘raise awareness of human rights violations’ against the LGBTQ community in Russia.“Our aim is to show that violating the rights of LGBTQ people anywhere in the world is not acceptable and should not go unchallenged,” Alex Wright said.
“The boycott of Russian vodka is a symbolic move and part of an international movement to show a united stance against the appalling treatment of LGBTQ individuals in Russia.”
On-campus YUSU bars, including D-Bar and V-Bar, have confirmed that they do not sell Russian vodka.
Up until the launch, a number of on-campus events will also be held, including a photoshoot in week 5 and banner making in week 6.
For more information, and to sign-up to help the campaign, you can see the Facebook event by visiting the #ForRussiaWithLove page.