Russian President Vladimir Putin has a strong message for all who are concerned about the country’s treatment of LGBT people.

The Guardian:

“We do not have a ban on non-traditional sexual relationships,” said Putin in comments reported by Russian agencies. “We have a ban on the propaganda of homosexuality and paedophilia. I want to underline this. Propaganda among children. These are absolutely different things — a ban on something or a ban on the propaganda of that thing.”

Putin also added that Russia was more liberal than some other countries, claiming that in certain US states homosexuality was still punishable by law.

“We are not forbidding anything and nobody is being grabbed off the street, and there is no punishment for such kinds of relations,” said Putin. “You can feel relaxed and calm [in Russia], but leave children alone please,” said Putin.

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— Posted by Donald Kaufman.

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#gay rights#homosexuality#lgbtq#rights#russia#vladimir putin#winter#winter olympics