The results of the recent Eurovision Song Contest caused a strong reaction inRussia. They also worsened relations between Russia and Europe.
The Eurovision Song Contest was held last weekend in Copenhagen,Denmark. An estimated 180 million people in 45 countries watched the event. As we hear from Katherine Cole, the winner was from Austria.
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| Singer Conchita Wurst from Austria performs the song "Rise Like a Phoenix" during a rehearsal for the Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen, Denmark, May 7, 2014. |
That was Conchita Wurst performing the song “Rise Like a Phoenix.” The actreceived more votes than the 25 other finalists in the competition this year.
It was the performer’s appearance that made news. Conchita Wurst is a manwho wears women’s clothing. He has hair covering his face and reaching overhis shoulders. The performer said he was honored to win the contest. Hecalled it a victory for European values.
It was a victory not just for me, he said, but also for those people who believein a future without discrimination and which is based on tolerance andrespect.
Those words were widely seen as a criticism of Russia. Last year, theRussian government approved laws against what it called “homosexualpropaganda.” The laws bar public events and the spread of information aboutnon-traditional sexual relations to the very young.
In Moscow, there was widespread disbelief at Conchita Wurst’s victory at theEurovision Song Contest.
Russia finished seventh in the competition. Many people in the crowdexpressed their disapproval of the performers from Russia. The Russianjudges gave all their votes to countries that once belonged to the Soviet Union.
Last Sunday, Russian conductor Valery Gergiev organized a concert inLondon. The musician is a supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
About 30 anti-Putin protesters demonstrated for a short time as the showbegan. Among them was human rights activist Peter Tatchell.
“We thought it was very important to challenge Valery Gergiev over hissupport for President Putin; his endorsement of Russia’s anti-gay law, and hisapproval of Russia’s actions in Ukraine.”
Some people would say Russia is facing the beginnings of a cultural backlashin Europe. But there was one surprising result -- both Russia and Ukrainevoted for each other in the Eurovision song contest.
I'm Katherine Cole.
