Somerville Man Petitioning to Move Miss Universe Pageant from Anti-LGBT Russia

Thousands have signed a New Jersey beauty pageant fan's petition calling on businessman Donald Trump to move the scheduled November 2013 Miss Universe competition out of Russia. His reason: to protest the country’s harsh anti-gay laws.

Francesco Pascuzzi of Somerville launched the Change.org petition because of a rising tide of violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Russia that started after its government passed sweeping anti-LGBT laws that ban what leaders there call the “promotion” of homosexuality and prohibits same-gender couples from adopting Russian children. 

“I’ve loved pageants since I was a young boy, and I was taken aback to learn that Miss Universe would host its pageant in Russia this year,” Pascuzzi said. 

“It seems insensitive to bring an event that is supposed to be festive and joyous—focused on celebrating different cultures and nations coming together—to a country where LGBTQ citizens are being treated like criminals and brutalized day in, day out.”

As of this story's publication, more than 22,000 people have signed Pascuzzi’s petition, and some left comments showing their support for his effort.

“Beauty queens should be looking towards the FUTURE!" wrote Abby DePhillips, Miss Teen New Jersey 2013. "Allowing Russia to host Miss Universe 2013 pushes us back years and years! As Miss T.E.E.N. New Jersey, I believe the [Miss Universe Organization] needs to find a new location, preferably one with better laws and values.”

A pageant fan from Fort Worth, Texas, Christian S., said the new laws have made him fearful.

“I'm gay and I am a big fan of Miss Universe pageants," he said. "I have been to the last four Miss Universe events, but this time I'm not going to Russia, where  I'll feel persecuted."

New signatures on the petition are sent via email to Paula Shugart, president of the Miss Universe Organization. While the International Olympic Committee has reacted to calls for protection for athletes and fans at the 2013 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, the Miss Universe Organization, which is owned by Trump, has so far remained silent.