Putin claims Olympic athletes will feel comfortable regardless of sexual orientation
“We are doing everything, both the organizers and our athletes and fans, so that participants and guests feel comfortable in Sochi, regardless of nationality, race or sexual orientation.”
— President Vladimir Putin, addressing the head of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, ahead of the Winter Olympics in the Russian Black Sea Resort of Sochi in February 2014. A federal bill banning “gay propoganda” in Russia imposes fines on any individual or organization that provides information on homosexuality to Russian citizens under the age of 18.
Image Credit: Lefteris Pitarakis/Associated Press
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