Putin: No discrimination on basis of sexual preference
Russian president Vladimir Putin says everyone is welcome at the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Sochi. Speaking to the Winter Olympics volunteers’ gathering in Sochi, Putin on Friday said Russian laws do not criminalize homosexual relations unlike some other countries.
He vowed that there would be no discrimination against people with homosexual relations at the games. But he emphasized that the children should be left alone according to a law banning homosexual "propaganda" among minors.
Putin and other politicians have defended the June propaganda law as a protection of child rights. The move sparked outcry abroad with many athletes and celebrities calling to boycott the Winter Olympics.
