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Vancouver bar at the heart of Russian vodka boycott to protest anti-gay laws

A Vancouver pub is on the cutting edge of a growing protest against Russia's anti-gay laws - banning the country's vodka from its premises.

The Fountainhead Pub, found at the border of Vancouver's Davie Village — an area popular with the city's GLBT community — announced it would not sell Stolichnaya (known as Stoli) or Russian Standard vodka, or any other product from the former Soviet state.

"We are doing this to make a small but worthwhile stand. Our thoughts are with the GLBT community members in Russia. We hope that the Russia government sees its error and swiftly corrects its decision," states a post on the company's Facebook page.

The Fountainhead is not alone, hinting that other bars on the popular Davie Street had joined their boycott. Chicago's Sidetrack Bar has already removed Stolichnaya from its menu in protest, as has Seattle's Diesel nightclub, calling the Russian law a "witch hunt on the gay community

The boycott was also joined by influential gay advocate Dan Savage, who called for every gay bar in America to drop Stoli.

[ Related: Anti-gay law prompts B.C. pub to ban Russian vodka ]

It is a small, tiny act of protest. But it hits right at the heart of Russia's cultural identity.

Sure, the country's top exports are mineral fuels, metals and fertilizer. But ask the man on the street what comes from Russia, and he'll tell you the answer is vodka.

It's similar to when international activists upset with Canada call for a ban on maple syrup. And by similar, I mean in the reaction not impetus. Because Russian lawmakers are rotten bigots.

The law passed late last month strengthens penalties against propagating homosexuality among minors. The law also makes LGBT rallies illegal.

[ More Brew: Tim Hortons changes tune and unblocks gay news website ]

Essentially, being gay may be legal. But talking about being gay, promoting homosexual equality or acting too gay can get you fined or incarcerated. Or attacked and beaten on the street.

The law has led to frequent clashes between security forces and gay activists.

This law is also going to collide directly with the rest of the world when Russia hosts the Sochi Olympics later this year.

CBC News reports that the RCMP will hold a security briefing with athletes before the event. The federal government has already updated its travel advisory for Russia to note the law.

So, is Russia going to care that their vodka is being banned from some bars in Vancouver and Chicago? No, of course not. But we should.

As far as protests go, it is a small one. But it is a gesture. Like the Fountainhead Pub says, it is a small but worthwhile stand.

Want to know what news is brewing in Canada?
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