WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than two weeks after GLAAD called on President Trump to condemn the horrific attacks on LGBTQ men in Chechnya, the White House could not confirm if the president had been briefed on the attacks and the reported concentration camps created by the Chechen government.
The White House’s statement is the latest in what is a clear negligence to a humanitarian crisis happening in Russia-controlled Chechnya where more than 100 LGBTQ men are said to have been detained because of their perceived sexual orientation, with four men allegedly being killed. GLAAD asked President Trump to use the power of the presidency and denounce this anti-LGBTQ violence happening in Chechnya.
“It is shocking that the White House can’t even confirm if President Trump is ‘aware’ of the anti-LGBTQ violence in Chechnya. It seems President Trump is only aware of news that includes his own name,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, President and CEO of GLAAD. “If President Trump doesn’t join Ambassador Haley and other world leaders in condemning this humanitarian crisis, it is only further evidence that his Administration is working to force LGBTQ people around the globe back into the closet.”
Politicians and human rights activists across the globe, including British Prime Minister Theresa May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and former Vice President of the United States Joe Biden, have all condemned the horrific violence in Chechnya.
