Original article: http://themoscownews.com/society/20110630/188798829.html

Controversial pop princess Lady Gaga has slammed Russia’s record on gay rights – but her on-stage outburst could spark a political row.

A month after she appeared on stage in Rome to speak up for the oppressed sexual minorities of Russia and other countries, it was claimed that the US State Department had persuaded her to appear.

And the performance happened at the same time as US authorities restated their concerns over Russia’s tough stance on gay rights marches.



Clinton admits organising Gaga’s performance

The singer performed at EuroPride in Rome on June, 1, where she made a passionate speech where she criticised countries with poor gay rights record, including Russia, Poland, Lithuania, Lebanon and Hungary.

The US envoy in Rome helped secure pop star Lady Gaga's performance at the event there, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has said.

“It was organised by the Department of State. We know that Lady Gaga is an active supporter of gay rights defence movement,” Clinton is quoted by Fox News.

Not long before the gig the US Department of State had expressed concern over police treatment of a gay pride in Moscow.



Gaga slams Russia

Lady Gaga is indeed a gay rights activist, and regularly organises events in support of gay rights, as well as speaking up for gay marriage.

“I am aware that many countries and governments worldwide still restrict their citizens from reading about LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) issues and this is what means the most to me in my career. I want all of your stories to be heard by the world,” she said at the gig.



Poor track record

Gay rights are a contentious issue in Russia and that has soured relations with Europe on occasion.

The authorities often lose court cases in Strasbourg and regularly stop any attempts to hold a gay pride in Moscow.

However, the events that do take place are illegal and end in arrests and injuries.