After being invited to attend the St. Petersburg International Film Festival in Russia, the "Prison Break" star decided it was time to go public with his sexual orientation.
"Thank you for your kind invitation. As someone who has enjoyed visiting Russia in the past and can also claim a degree of Russian ancestry, it would make me happy to say yes," the 41-year-old wrote in a letter to the festival's director, which was posted on GLAAD's website.
"However, as a gay man, I must decline."
The actor went on to explain:
"I am deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government. 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."
Miller is of course referring to Russia's new anti-gay laws, which are a ban on "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" as part of an effort to promote traditional Russian values over Western liberalism, and prohibit the adoption of Russian-born children to national and international same-sex couples.
The actor concluded his letter by stating, "Perhaps, when and if circumstances improve, I'll be free to make a different choice."
In a statement, GLAAD spokesman Wilson Cruz praised Miller's decision to come out, noting that the actor's "bold show of support sends a powerful message to LGBT Russians," telling them they are not alone.
"As people from across the globe continue to speak out against this horrific law, more celebrities and corporations should follow his courageous lead in openly condemning Russia's anti-LGBT law," he said.
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