Gay rights activists in London are planning a peaceful protest in Downing Street to urge Prime Minister David Cameron to act against Russia’s controversial anti-gay law on 3 September.

The London event called Love Russia, Hate Homophobia, is a day of action hoping all countries in the world will join in with similar protests.

President Vladimir Putin is hosting the G20 summit just two days after the planned demonstration.

Organizers are hoping the protest will prompt leaders to confront the Russian president on his federal nationwide anti-gay law.

It is also intended to increase pressure on the International Olypmic Committee (IOC) to ensure the safety of LGBT athletes and spectators at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.

The protest has support from all London-based LGBT media organisations, as well as veteran human rights activist Peter Tatchell.

Whilst defenders of the Russian law says it is solely concerned with protecting minors, Tatchell says such justification is ‘a crude cover for homophobia’.

Speaking to Gay Star News, he explains: ‘The protest is called, Love Russia – Hate Homophobia, to show that we are not against Russia or the Russian people.

‘We’re against homophobia and the abuse of any human rights in Russia. We stand in solidarity with all Russians – LGBT and straight – who are being victimised by the Putin regime. It is important that we support all Russians who want democracy and human rights.’

Gay Star News director and editor-in-chief Tris Reid-Smith said: ‘The world has been shocked and moved by the plight of LGBT people in Russia, and we are proud to have played our part in bringing many of those stories to wider attention.

‘But sometimes just reporting is not enough. You are moved to act. And so we are supporting this Day of Action.

‘The most important thing is this campaign is being directed by LGBT campaigners in Russia. These brave activists are asking for you to take a day to help – and we are sure you won’t let them down.’