Mikhail Baryshnikov has joined a growing chorus of celebrities, athletes and other public figures in denouncing Russia's " gay propaganda" law.
The Russian dance legend and actor ("Sex and the City") sounded off on the controversial legislation in an exclusive statement for the No More Fear Foundation, an international advocacy organization which is dedicated to helping members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community who face persecution in their home countries seek asylum in the U.S.
"My life has been immensely enriched by gay mentors, colleagues and friends and any discrimination and persecution of gay people is unacceptable," Baryshnikov, 65, said. "Equal treatment of people is a basic right and it is sad that we still have to even speak about this in [the] 21st century."
He went on to praise the No More Fear Foundation for "stepping in so quickly to provide the much necessary assistance" to the LGBT community. You can view Baryshnikov's full statement here.
Baryshnikov, who was born in Latvia to Russian parents and was a principal dancer with the Kirov Ballet in what is now St. Petersburg (formerly Leningrad), follows in the footsteps of Elton John, Cher, Madonna and Lady Gaga in his pro-gay proclamation toward Russia.
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