MOSCOW, November 15, 15:44 /ITAR-TASS/. Russia expresses bewilderment over several U.S. Senators’ statement saying the International Olympic Committee (OIC) revise Russia’s law to ban the propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations, Foreign Ministry Commissioner for Human Rights, Democracy and the Supremacy of Law Konstantin Dolgov said on Friday.
“Russia gave an explanation on this law. It seems to us the explanations remained unheard,” Dolgov said.
“The law is not aimed at discriminating sexual minorities. Its purpose is to protect children from the improper and harmful propaganda. The law does not violate Russia’s international human rights obligations,” the commissioner said.
“The law only bans the propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations among young persons,” he said, adding “Administrative liability is envisioned for violating the law.”
Unlike Russia homosexual relationship is punished in 76 countries. “Several countries’ laws envision death penalty. But severe law does not prevent Western partners from developing comprehensive relations with these states,” Dolgov said.
“I’d like to advise those who protect sexual minorities in Russia to put to rights at home. For example, the United States seeks to be in the forefront of promoting LGBT and registers over 1,000 crimes against sexual minorities. This is just the tip of the iceberg because official statistics don’t register many crimes,” the diplomat said.
“We’ll welcome all athletes and guests in Sochi irrespective their gender identity. But we think that foreign guests will comply with the Olympic Games principles - the respect of law of a host country,” he said.