Members of the Portland's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community have asked the city to suspend official visits and ceremonies with its Russian sister city, Archangel.An online petition has a hundred signatures. Local activists said changing the relationship will send a clear message to Archangel regarding anti-gay laws in Russia."They might come here in the fall. When you're walking here with the mayor and taking photographs and speaking in the council chambers, that can be used to legitimize his power ... and also to demoralize people," said Robert Lieber, a liaison for Russian activists."I'm not convinced that suspending or restricting the lines of communication is the best way to achieve the positive outcome that everyone is shooting for, which is full civil rights for all," Portland City Councilor Ed Suslovic said.Suslovic was a member of a delegation that visited Archangel earlier this year.Portland and Archangel have been sister cities for 25 years.

Members of the Portland's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community have asked the city to suspend official visits and ceremonies with its Russian sister city, Archangel.

An online petition has a hundred signatures. Local activists said changing the relationship will send a clear message to Archangel regarding anti-gay laws in Russia.


"They might come here in the fall. When you're walking here with the mayor and taking photographs and speaking in the council chambers, that can be used to legitimize his power ... and also to demoralize people," said Robert Lieber, a liaison for Russian activists.

"I'm not convinced that suspending or restricting the lines of communication is the best way to achieve the positive outcome that everyone is shooting for, which is full civil rights for all," Portland City Councilor Ed Suslovic said.

Suslovic was a member of a delegation that visited Archangel earlier this year.

Portland and Archangel have been sister cities for 25 years.