U.S. lawmakers concerned about Russia's gay law
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 9 October 2013 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, U.S. lawmakers concerned about Russia's gay law, 9 October 2013, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5261048214.html [accessed 1 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
October 09, 2013
By RFE/RL
Russian President Vladimir Putin holding the Olympic flame during a ceremony in Moscow on October 6
Some 40 members of the U.S. Congress have sent a letter to the United States Olympic Committee asking for assurances about the treatment and safety of U.S. athletes and spectators at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
The letter said lawmakers are concerned about what it called "Russia's anti-lesbian, -gay, -bisexual, and -transgender law."
Citing a spate of attacks on homosexuals in Russia, the letter said the lawmakers are worried about the safety of people who may disagree with the Russian law.
Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Republican from Florida, called Russia's treatment of gays "nothing short of reprehensible."
The Russian law bans the spread of what it calls homosexual propaganda to minors.
Critics say it bars gay-rights rallies and could be used to prosecute anyone voicing support for homosexuals.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
