Russian Lawmaker: “U2 Equals Gay Propaganda!”
Meanwhile, back in Russia, a member of the Russian State Duma named Alexander Starovoitov (the lower chamber of Parliament) asked the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate the cover artwork of U2’s Songs of Innocence. He believes it may break the law.
A couple of years ago, Russia passed a law outlawing “gay propaganda” (whatever that is), something that resulted in worldwide condemnation. He believes that the shot of Larry Mullen embracing his son Elvis falls into that category.
I quote: “Just like many citizens of the Russian Federation, I am an iPhone owner. In 2014, tracks by U2 were uploaded in a viral way to my Music folder in iTunes, with the album cover featuring what I believe to be two men engaged in a manifestation of non-traditional sexual relations.”
Keep in mind that Russia fined the promoter of a Lady Gaga show for being involved to something too gay for the authorities liking. And after Apple’s TIm Cook came out, a monument to Steve Jobs was removed from its spot at St. Petersburg University.
Homophobic? Russia? Naw.
More at Billboard. Meanwhile, here are some shots from inside the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver where U2 has been rehearsing for the Innocence + Experience tour.
