Dutch singer 'Gordon' is threatening to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest in Russia if violence is used against gay activists in Moscow.

Russian gay-rights activists say they plan to hold a march on 16 May before the final night of the Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow.

Moscow authorities have banned gay pride parades in the past and Mayor Yuri Luzhkov has drawn international criticism by describing homosexuality as "satanic". Previous attempts to defy the bans have ended violently in some occasions.
Activists say Eurovision, which will attract international attention to Moscow, is an ideal opportunity to highlight what they call official discrimination against sexual minorities.

If violence is used against demonstrators on 16 May, Gordon will withdraw from the contest in protest. He told a reporter from NOS Dutch public radio, "If people of my kind are being discriminated against in such a way, I have nothing to expect from this Russia, and I will be on the first plane home".

The Eurovision Song Contest is one of the most widely watched TV programmes in Europe. Gordon has referred to it as "The Olympics of light music" and the contest happens to be very popular with many gay people.

The final of the contest in the Russian capital takes place on 16 May, but the singer will need to get through Thursday's semi-final.