Putin: gays will not face discrimination at Olympics, but "leave children in peace"
- 10 years ago
Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated Friday that gay athletes and visitors to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics would not face discrimination. But he called on visitors to respect Russia's culture and traditions and "leave children in peace".
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT, VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING:
"We do not ban anyone or anything (PUTIN ON CAMERA), we don't detain people on the street. We don't hold anyone responsible for those relations, unlike a lot of other countries in the world. That's why you can feel free, relaxed, but leave children in peace, please."
Last year Russia banned what it called the promotion of homosexuality among minors. While calls for a mass boycott of the games have failed, the issue has clouded the build-up to the event.
(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) RUSSIAN PRESIDENT, VLADIMIR PUTIN, SAYING:
"We do not ban anyone or anything (PUTIN ON CAMERA), we don't detain people on the street. We don't hold anyone responsible for those relations, unlike a lot of other countries in the world. That's why you can feel free, relaxed, but leave children in peace, please."
Last year Russia banned what it called the promotion of homosexuality among minors. While calls for a mass boycott of the games have failed, the issue has clouded the build-up to the event.