Each year, European countries gather together in one of the cheesiest song competitions the world has ever seen. The music is pop. The acts are often over-the-top. Think ABBA on steroids.

 

Ireland’s 2018 Eurovision entry is from Ryan O’Shaughnessy; it is called "Together." The music video for the single features a gay couple dancing together.

 

One of Eurovision's members is Russia, and it has an archaic, vicious, senseless anti-gay “propaganda” ban. Russia argued that the video violates said ban, and it promised not to broadcast the live performance of the song if it also includes a gay couple. The problem: Eurovision rules demand that participating countries must broadcast all entries during the live broadcast. Failure to do so means they'll be kicked out of future competitions. 

 

The rumblings may be for naught as O’Shaughnessy may decide not to include the gay dancers during his performance. However, the singer isn't afraid to goad the Russians on.

 

“The Russians are now threatening a broadcasting ban because of my video for ‘Together’. Anti-gay propaganda regime at its finest! Hilarious if you ask me… #IDareYou,” he tweeted. He then sent out an edited image of himself sharing a handshake with Vladimir Putin, along with the caption “from Russia with love”.

 

We hope O’Shaughnessy goes all gay during the live performance. Sometimes the thought of those Russian bureaucrats getting their panties in a bunch is enough to get us through the day.