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We’re pretty sure Madonna heard us complaining about what a dick she’s been lately and has decided to change her ways. While on tour in Russia this week the singer has stood up for punk band Pussy Riot and now offered her support for gay rights despite threats of violence.
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During her performance in St. Petersburg earlier this week, Madonna said, “The gay community here, and all around the world, have the same rights, to be treated with dignity, with respect, with tolerance, with compassion, with love.” She added, “If you’re with me, I want to see your pink arm bands!” in reference to the wristbands that had been given out to fans who wanted to support LGBT rights. Madonna’s speech even called into question the use of religious text to justify persecution. She said, “It’s in every holy book: love thy neighbor as thyself. You cannot use religion to treat other people badly. Let’s all go out into the world and spread this message of love, and live our lives without fear.” You can watch the singer’s speech below:
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This is a far cry from the musician who has been running around Europe with swastikas and feigned nip-slips, all seemingly to get attention. Offering your support to a maligned band or sect of the population is a much more productive use of Madonna’s time and energy onstage. We’re glad to see her coming around.
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This speech is especially brave considering the threats of violence anticipated for both of the Madonna’s Russian shows. Moscow’s U.S. Embassy and St. Petersburg’s U.S. Consulate General jointly urged U.S. citizens in attendance to “remain vigilant” after the shows received threats of physical violence. Both performances, however, went off without a hitch.
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How do you feel about Madonna’s support for these issues? Tell us (respectfully) in the comments.
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For more from Madonna head to her Myspace Radio channel here.
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