By James Crook

Cher has turned down the opportunity to perform at Sochi 2014 over Russia's anti-gay legislationSeptember 17 - American entertainer Cher has turned down the opportunity to perform at the Opening Ceremony of the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi over the controversial anti-gay legislation that has overshadowed preparations for the first Russian Winter Olympics.

The 67-year-old singer and actress, who is considered as something of an icon within the gay community, spoke of how she was offered a starring role at Sochi 2014 by a Russian oligarch, believed to be Suleyman Kerimov, the man ranked as 162nd on Forbes' list of the world's billionaires.

"[He] asked me if I'd like to be an ambassador for the Olympics and open the show," the singer, whose son Chaz Bono underwent female-to-male gender transition between 2008 and 2010, told Maclean's magazine.

"I immediately said no.

"I want to know why all of this gay hate just exploded over there.

"He said the Russian people don't feel the way the Government does."

Protests, such as this one in Madrid, have taken place in multiple cities across the globe in response to Russia's anti-gay lawProtests, such as this one in Madrid, have taken place in multiple cities across the globe in response to Russia's anti-gay law
 
Earlier this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin introduced a law which bans "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations" to minors in the nation, and another which prevents gay couples from adopting children, sparking widespread criticism from around the world.

As well as a boycott of Russian vodka, there have been various protests against the legislation across the world and a number of high profile celebrities have spoken out on the issue.

Golden Globe-nominated Prison Break actor Wentworth Miller turned down an invitation to the St Petersburg International Film Festival last month while publicly coming out as gay in a show of solidarity to Russia's homosexual community.

"As a gay man, I must decline," he said in his reply to the invitation, which was posted on the GLAAD, formerly the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, website.

"I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian Government."

"The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly."

Lady Gaga, who addressed crowds at this year's New York City Pride event, has slammed the Russian Government for its stance on gay rightsLady Gaga, who addressed crowds at this year's New York City Pride event, has slammed the Russian Government for its stance on gay rights



Five-time Grammy award winner Lady Gaga also publicly slammed the Russian Government for its stance on gay rights last month.

"The Russian government is criminal," she tweeted to her 40 million followers.

"Oppression will be met with revolution.

"Russian LGBTs [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender] you are not alone.

"We will fight for your freedom."

There are currently no laws to protect the LGBT community from discrimination for their sexual orientation or gender identity in Russia, and a 2012 law also prohibits gay pride marches in Russia for the next 100 years.

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