Russian president Vladimir Putin signed a bill to make “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations” illegal on June 30th of this year, outlawing open homosexuality. A couple months later, on August 17th , Russia won the 4 x 400 meter relay at the World Championships in Moscow. Kseniya Ryzhova and Tatyana Firova, two Russian females on the relay team, kissed on the podium for the entire world to see.

The impact of homophobia in Russian culture, however, is not properly exemplified by the law as attacks on gay citizens have been an epidemic throughout history. Reports of attacks and torture at pride rallies and during public displays of affection have been prevalent all over the country. Police have even been seen beating two men for kissing in public.

Clearly, homosexuality is not accepted by the Russian government and advocacy is literally illegal. For this reason, the kiss of those two Russian Olympians is completely justified, even if it is illegal in their home country.

Many might say that the athletes should not break their country’s laws on an international stage; but if no oppressive laws were ever broken, where would we be? America would still have slaves. In fact, the United States would never have been conceived at all.

Revolutionary and rebellious stands must be made for change to occur. If a law is unjust and violates natural rights, the citizens have a right to break it in hopes that the law will one day change. Natural rights supersede government laws. Equality supersedes prejudice.

Modern society is too quick to accept new mandates from government. Perhaps one day people will be able to consider the ramifications and morality of laws before mindlessly obeying or simply being too afraid to fight back. After all, I sure hope we’ve learned that from our long history of persecution; including Japanese internment camps and the civil rights movement.

Not only does the kiss inspire change in policy, but change in people as well. The morale of many homosexual people in Russia is most likely wavering. Seeing successful Russian women kissing on television could motivate the oppressed to continue looking towards a better tomorrow.