Former "Prison Break" star Wentworth Miller announced he was gay on Wednesday in an effort to take a stand against homophobia in Russia.

The 41-year old star declined an invitation to be the guest of honor at a Russian film festival after the country passed various anti-gay laws.

In his letter to the St. Petersburg International Film Festival Miller wrote, "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.

"However, as a gay man, I must decline.

"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."

He concluded his letter by writing, "Perhaps, when and if circumstances improve, I'll be free to make a different choice."

[Wentworth Miller's letter can be found on GLAAD]

GLAAD spokesperson Wilson Cruz applauded the actor and said, "Wentworth's bold show of support sends a powerful message to LGBT Russians, who are facing extreme violence and persecution: you are not alone."

He continued, "As people from across the globe continue to speak out against Russia's horrific law, more celebrities and corporations should follow his courageous lead in openly condemning Russia's anti-LGBT law."

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