Selena Gomez Star Dance Tour 2013 Dates and Setlist: Russia Denies Singer Visa For Gay Rights Stance
Selena Gomez is forced to cancel her concerts in Russia after reports say that she was denied a visa to the country.
Currently on her "Stars Dance" tour, Selena Gomez was scheduled to make a quick stop at Eastern Europe for several concert dates. The 21-year-old singer was slated to perform at St. Petersburg's Ice Place on Sept. 23 and the Olimiisky Stadium in Moscow on Sept. 25. However, both dates and several others have been cancelled, with reports saying that authorities have denied the star entry to the country.
According to a report by The Moscow Times, concert organizers have confirmed that Russia's controversial anti-gay law has forced the country to deny Gomez a visa.
Gomez has been known to be a supporter of gay rights and equality, and authorities are afraid that the star might use her shows to promote "nontraditional sexual relationships" which the country prohibits under the law.
The decision also comes in the tails of Lady Gaga and Madonna's 2012 concerts in Russia where they openly talked about the acceptance of the LGBT community in the country. These incidents have caused outcries from conservatives and Russian lawmakers who even threatened to sue the artists. It also pushed authorities to tighten the issuance of visas to foreign artists.
According to gay activist John Becker, while the incident is an unfortunate one, it also serves as a sign that the Russian government is already feeling the "backlash against these laws."
"This cancellation of Selena Gomez's visa shows that the Russian government is sensitive and on the defense, and shows that the pressure from people all around the world and the backlash against these laws is strong," Becker told E! News. "They're afraid to have someone like Selena Gomez come in and potentially use her platform to advance LGBT rights."
A rep for Selena has already confirmed that the Russian leg of her tour has been cancelled. Fans may have to wait a little bit longer to see the "Come & Get It" star live.