President Vladimir Putin sought Friday to reassure gay visitors to the Sochi Games that they are welcome in Russia despite a law banning gay “propaganda” to minors.
President Vladimir Putin sought Friday to reassure gay visitors to the Sochi Games that they are welcome in Russia despite a law banning gay “propaganda” to minors.
Responding to a question from an Olympics volunteer during a visit in the Black Sea resort city, Putin vowed that gays face no discrimination in Russia and could feel “at ease.” But he emphasized that because of the new law, they can’t express their views on gay rights issues to anyone under age.
Putin appeared to lump homosexuality and pedophilia together.
“We have no ban on nontraditional sexual relations. We have a ban on propaganda of homosexuality and pedophilia. I want to underline that, on propaganda among minors,” he said.
Read more at www.wmctv.com
