Miss Universe 2013 Sparks Controversy due to Russia's Anti -Gay Laws
All may not be that well in paradise. The Miss Universe 2013 pageant which is being hosted in Moscow, Russia has already witnessed its very first controversy. Andy Cohen who co-hosted the beauty pageant in 2011 and 2012 with Giuliana Ranci has boycotted the pageant due to Russia's anti-gay laws. According to Blog.zap2it, Cohen feels, "He didn't feel right as a gay man stepping foot into Russia to attend, because the discriminatory policies make it unsafe for gays who live there and gays coming to work or visit."
The recently passed anti homosexuality policy of Russia bans the distribution of "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations" to minors. According to the new Russian anti gay law (courtesy Wall Street journal),"It is illegal to hold any sort of public demonstration in favour of gay rights, speak in defence of gay rights and distribute material related to gay rights, or to state that gay relationships are equal to heterosexual relationships."
In Russia homosexuals are being discriminated against and have to face legal and social challenges on a daily basis. This has brought a lot of global wrath to Russia and many Hollywood celebrities have refused to visit Russia due to the same reason.
Along with Cohen's boycott, other controversy which has marred the Miss Universe 2013 pageant is Miss Kosovo Mirjeta Shala prohibition to participate in the pageant. A Kosovan newspaper, Koha Ditore, has reported that Miss Kosovo Mirjeta Shala will not be allowed to take part in the Miss Universe 2013 pageant as Russia does not identify with Kosvo's 2008 "Declaration of Independence."
Russia's denial for the Kosovo's delegate has also led to Miss Albania Fioralba Dizdari withdrawal from the pageant. Albania shares a budding relationship with Kosovo and they don't want to forfeit their relationship due to any reason.
Russia is hosting the Miss Universe pageant for the first time. It will take place on Nov. 9, at Crocus City Hall, in Moscow.