From the outside looking in, Russia have forged a rather unwelcome reputation as a homophobic nation, probably due to their extremist, homophobic laws, which can also see people improvised for speaking out against the regime. Stephen Fry likened the treatment of homosexuality in Russia to that of Judaism in Nazi Germany and the invaded countries. Now another openly celebrity – Prison Break’s Wentworth Miller – has spoken out via the medium of an open letter, in which he came out as gay.

Wentworth MillerWentworth Miller Came Out As Gay This Week

“As a gay man, I must decline,” he wrote, replying to an invitation to the St Petersburg Film Festival; his letter was made public by the campaigning group GLAAD. “I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government,” Wentworth added.

“The situation is in no way acceptable, and I cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly.”

Stephen FryStephen Fry also criticized Russia's regime in an open letter

In July, Vladimir Putin signed a law banning the adoption of Russian-born children by gay couples. Another bill – passed in June - classifies 'homosexual propaganda' as pornography, meaning fines and arrests for those making it accessible to minors. A law passed in 2012 banned public gay pride events in Moscow for the next 100 years.

Given Russia’s impending responsibilities – they are due to host two major sporting events: this winter’s Winter Olympics and the World Cup in 2014 – many have called for a boycott. Indeed, some gay athletes are worried to travel, knowing that the country isn’t fully safe for them.