HUMAN RIGHTS August 1, 2013 Mr. James N. Gianopulos Mr. Brad Grey Mr. Alan F. Horn Chairman and CEO Chainnan and CEO Chairman Twentieth Century Fox Film Paramount Pictures Walt Disney Studios 10201 West Pico Boulevard 5555 Melrose Avenue 500 South Buena Vista Street Los Angeles, CA 90035 Los Angeles, CA 90038 Burbank, CA 91521 Mr. Michael Lynton Mr. Adam Fogelson Mr. Barry M. Meyer Chairman and CEO Chairman Chairman Sony Pictures Entertainment Universal Pictures Warner Bros. Entertainment 10202 W. Washington Blvd. 100 Universal City Plaza 4000 Wamer Boulevard Culver City, CA 90232 Universal City, CA 91608 Burbank, CA 91522 The Honorable Christopher Dodd Chairman and CEO Motion Picture Association of America 1600 I St. NW Washington, DC 20006 Gentlemen, There is no denying Hollywood's ability to drive positive change on issues of intemational importance. For decades, your industry has stood up and led on issues of human rights and basic dignity--from the fight to end Apartheid in South Africa to the fight against global warming around the world. You're successful because you understand that the stories you tell and the global economic benefits you generate have the power to improve the lives of hundreds of millions of people when channeled effectively and ethically. Today I am writing to ask you to continue that proud tradition and to use the power of your advocacy once more. Right now, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people are suffering throughout the Russian Federation because of an ongoing, nationwide and govemment-led campaign of institutional homophobia and transphobia. Most recently, that effort was marked by the passage of a law that criminalized even the most basic gestures of support for LGBT people and their equality. Russian citizens and visitors alike face harsh punishment for simple from holding hands with someone of the same gender to suggesting publicly that all people should be treated equally and with dignity. The bloody results of this law are already emerging. All across Russia, LGBT people--especially youth--are being goaded, entrapped and beaten by thugs. Dutch tourists were arrested for filming a documentary about the nation's LGBT population. The head of the Russian Orthodox Church declared marriage equality a "sign of the Apocalypse." And representatives of the Russian government are publicly threatening LGBT Olympic athletes and visitors with arrest during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. WORKING FOR LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER EQUAL RIGHTS 1640 Rhode Island Ave., Washington, DC 20036 phone 202t'628-4160 7 7 202/216-1572 fax 202/347-5323 web Printed using vegetable-based inks and 100" wind power. (R) Page 2 Hollywood has always been a dauntless supporter of LGBT equality--well before public support was easy or politically popular. Now that progress is speeding up here at home, I know you'll agree that we have a moral responsibility not to ignore backsliding abroad. So, today I am writing to inform you of the situation in Russia in case you were not aware--but also to make two requests of you and your studios: 0 First, to take advantage of all currently--scheduled film premieres in Russia to make clear and visible statements of support for Russia's beleaguered LGBT community and of opposition to the Russian government's campaign of institutionalized hate. 0 Second, to meet with representatives of the Russian govemment and advocate for the repeal of these laws--and the chilling effect that these laws could have on future film production, shooting, publicity and distribution within the Russian Federation. Let me be clear, there are few industries better positioned to help bring justice to LGBT Russians than yours. You have never failed to lead in the past. Now, I'm asking you to act again and to act quickly- before even more Russians have their lives destroyed by an unjust law. Please see our organization as a resource as you engage with this vitally important issue. Sincerely, . Chad Griffin President, Human Rights Campaign CC: Sanford Panitch David Kosse President President Twentieth Century Fox International International Universal Pictures David Bishop Alan Bergman President President Worldwide Sony Pictures Entertainment The Walt Disney Studios Anthony Marcoly Sue Kroll President President Paramount Pictures Intemational Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution Warner Bros. Pictures WORKING FOR LESBIAN. GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER EQUAL RIGHTS 1640 Rhode Island Ave., Washington. DC 20036 p/ran: 2023628 4160 fax 202/347-5323 web