Putin: Law restricting gay rights in Russia is about “protecting children”

Russian President Vladimir Putin (Credit: AP/Ivan Sekretarev)
Russian President Vladimir Putin defended a proposed ban to place severe restrictions on the rights of gays and lesbians this week, saying that the measure to limit the speech and free assembly of LGBT individuals in Russia is about “protecting children.”

The “gay propaganda” ban would impose fines of up to 100,000 roubles (more than $3,000) on individuals found guilty of “promoting non-traditional relations to minors,” a provision that is so broadly defined that it effectively turns being gay and out in Russia into a serious legal liability. (To say nothing of jeopardizing the safety of gays and lesbians in the country.)