Anti-gay Russian lawsuit against Madonna thrown out

Maria Puente, USA TODAY | USATODAY

Chalk up a win for Madonna, and in Russia no less.

Remember that multimillion-dollar lawsuit filed against her back in August by a group of anti-gay activists in Russia? They accused her of traumatizing minors by standing up for gay rights during a concert in St. Petersburg, where it is illegal to promote homosexuality to young people.

But a Russian court has thrown the lawsuit out, the AP and Reuters are reporting. The decision Thursday went against nine members of a group called the Trade Union of Russian Citizens, who were seeking nearly $11 million in damages from Madonna for allegedly exposing minors to "homosexual propaganda."

The AP said the ruling came after a one-day hearing that "bordered on the farcical. The plaintiffs claimed that Madonna's so-called 'propaganda of perversion' would negatively affect Russia's birth rate and erode the nation's defense capability by depriving the country of future soldiers," AP reported. "At one point, the judge threatened to expel journalists from the courtroom if they laughed too much."

While in Russia, Madonna had attacked as "a ridiculous atrocity" a St. Petersburg law adopted in March that imposed fines for speaking out for gay rights. During her concert, the activists claimed (based on a video), she allegedly trampled on an Orthodox cross and urged the audience to wave pink bracelets in support of gays. She also supported the jailed members of the Russian punk band Pussy Riot.

In dismissing the case, the judge did not explain his decision, but also ruled that the activists must pay the legal expenses of the companies that organized Madonna's concert. The activists promised to appeal.

"We aren't against homosexual people, but we are against the propaganda of perversion among minors," plaintiff Darya Dedova testified. "We want to defend the values of a traditional family, which are currently in crisis in this country. Madonna violated our laws and she should be punished."

Anti-gay sentiment is strong in Russia. Despite decriminalization of homosexuality in 1993, most gays are not out. But the Madonna case might suggest another incremental shift in attitudes there, just as the recent election in the USA, with multiple wins for pro-gay causes and candidates across the country, reflects changes in American attitudes.

Madonna, who is on a world tour, did not attend the trial and her publicist indicated she would have no comment.