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29 September 2015, 10:06There is not sexual minorities problem in Russia, this is a tool of attacking Moscow - Putin
Moscow, September 29, Interfax - The problem of sexual minorities in Russia has been deliberately made controversial, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
"The problem of sexual minorities in Russia has been deliberately made controversial in Russia. There is no such problem in Russia," Putin said in an interview ahead of his visit to the 70th session of the UN General Assembly that will be shown by the CBS and PBS TV channels.
"I think that some people intentionally speculate about this issue to represent Russia as an enemy. It is one of political instruments to attack Russia," Putin said.
Putin recalled that the RSFSR Criminal Code prosecuted homosexuality but stressed that "we have abolished this provision; people aren't prosecuted for it anymore."
"Homosexuals in Russia live in peace, work, are promoted, receive national awards for their achievements in science, art or any other sphere, medals are awarded to them, I have awarded them myself," he said.
The issue is about banning the propaganda of homosexuality among minors, he said. "To my mind, there is nothing undemocratic about this legal act," he said.
"Personally, I think that children should be left alone, they should be given an opportunity to grow up, to become aware of themselves and decide themselves who they are: men or women, if they want to have a traditional or homosexual marriage," Putin said.
Speaking about the situation with sexual minorities in the United States, he noted that homosexuality is a criminal offense in four U.S. states.
"This problem has not been dealt with yet, it is still being addressed by the legislation of the Unites States. It is not the case in Russia," Putin said.
He gave an affirmative answer when asked if he condemns such a situation.
"I think that a person cannot be criminally or otherwise prosecuted, his or her rights cannot be infringed upon the grounds of nationality, ethnicity or sexual orientation in the modern world. It is absolutely unacceptable," Putin said. |
