Vladimir Putin: Gay people at Sochi Winter Olympics must 'leave children in peace'
The Russian president has told volunteers gay people can feel "at ease" but said they must leave children alone
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Vladimir Putin has said gay people will not be harassed at the Sochi Winter Olympics and “can feel relaxed and comfortable”, but has said they must “leave the children in peace”.
The host nation's president passed a law in June prohibiting 'propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations among minors', which has been widely condemned.
"We do not have a ban on non-traditional sexual relationships," Putin has been quoted as saying by Russian agencies three weeks before the event begins. "We have a ban on the propaganda of homosexuality and paedophilia."
He added: "We are not forbidding anything and nobody is being grabbed off the street, and there is no punishment for such kinds of relations.
"You can feel relaxed and calm [in Russia], but leave children in peace please,” he said, warning that under the law gay people cannot express their views on gay rights or issues to anyone under age.
Russians considered to be spreading gay propaganda are liable to be fined up to £4,000, while foreigners can be arrested and deported.
Read More:
Following international outcry over the bill, authorities have placed restrictions on the right to protest during the Sochi games, which run 7 February to 23 February.
In December, President Barack Obama announced his decision to represent the United States at the Sochi Winter Olympics with two openly gay athletes, in what was being considered as a clear message to Russia about its treatment of gay and lesbian citizens.
The tennis legend Billie Jean King will represent the US delegation for the opening ceremony and ice hockey player and Olympic silver and bronze medalist Caitlin Cahow, 28, will represent the US for the closing ceremony.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments