LGBT Rights
and the
Twinning of
Manchester & St. Petersburg
A Tale of Two Cities
The Twinning of Manchester and St. Petersburg
Manchester and St. Petersburg have been twinned since 1962 and friendship societies were created in both cities to maintain the relationship. From its beginning each society has taken it in turns to host events celebrating the culture and history of Britain, Russia and the two cities. However, since the highly publicised events in Russia following their anti-LGBT propaganda law in 2013 and the treatment of LGBT people, the relationship between Manchester and St. Petersburg has come under strain. Debates have begun amongst politicians, the media and the public as to whether or not Manchester should end its twinning with St. Petersburg in light of their recent actions.
Against ending the twinning
The main argument against ending the twinning is that Manchester can use its link to influence and put pressure on St. Petersburg to reconsider their legislation.
One of the main advocates of maintaining the twinning has been Manchester City Council. We interviewed Councillor and deputy leader of Manchester City Council, Sue Murphy, to hear her opinions on the twinning, LGBT rights, Sochi and the Anglo-Russian year of culture.
Sue Murphy
Click the button above to hear the interview with Sue Murphy (21.50 minutes long) conducted on Monday 24th March 2014.
Also, read Sue Murphy's letter to the Governor of St. Petersburg here
For ending the twinning
The argument in favour of ending the twinning is that it is no longer appropriate for Manchester, as a city with a thriving LGBT community, to continue a friendship with St. Petersburg which is against a big part of Manchester's culture.
A strong voice for the un-twinning has come from businesses within Manchester's gay village, with many boycotting Russian products in response to Russia's legislation. A petition was also created through change.org which calls for Manchester to end the twinning. The petition has so far gained over 5000 signatures:
What do you think? Should Manchester remain twinned with St. Petersburg?
Contact us via Twitter: @MancPeterLGBT
or vote in the poll below.