LGBTQ groups calling for Eurovision boycott

Campaigners for gay, lesbian and transgender rights have urged a boycott of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv.

More than 60 LGBTQ groups from around the world have joined a new call to demonstrate solidarity with Palestinians.

In a statement, the groups accuse Israel of «shamelessly using the Eurovision competition» to distract from war crimes.

The organisation alQaws for Sexual and Gender Diversity in Palestinian Society contends that Israel is engaged in «pinkwashing» – the cynical use of LGBTQ rights by states and corporations to downplay their negative activities, electronicintifada.net reports.