Putin Denounces 'Xenophobia' Against LGBT Russians

The Russian president told local lawmakers that society should 'not create any xenophobia' against LGBT people, despite the law he passed that basically criminalizes any positive mention of LGBT identities.

Sunnivie Brydum

Sunnivie is the managing editor of The Advocate, and an award-winning journalist whose passion is covering the politics of equality and elevating the unheard stories of our community. Originally from Colorado, she and her spouse now live in Los Angeles, along with their three fur-children: dogs Luna and Cassie Doodle, and "Meow Button" Tilly.

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Sunnivie Brydum

November 21 2013 1:39 PM EST

November 17 2015 5:28 AM EST

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Russian president Vladimir Putin issued a statement that's being received as tepid support for Russia's embattled LGBT population, as he tacitly condemned what he called "xenophobia" against people of "nontraditional sexual orientation" in a meeting with local politicians Wednesday.

"We should not create any xenophobia in society on any principle against anyone whatsoever, including against people of nontraditional sexual orientation," Putin said, according to BuzzFeed's translation of the story first reported on Kremlin-backed news outlet Ria Novosti.

Speaking with leaders of political parties not represented in the State Duma, Russia's parliament, Putin defended the law he signed in June that outlaws "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations" in any venue accessible to minors. Since that nationwide ban on "gay propaganda" took effect, LGBT Russians have been harassed, kidnapped, beaten, raped, and arrestedfor gathering in public, protesting the law, waving rainbow flags, or speaking out against homophobia.

Earlier this month, shots were fired at Moscow's best-known gay nightclub, and two unidentified assailants raided a community meeting at an HIV and STD information clinic in St. Petersburg, injuring two attendees with a baseball bat and pneumatic gun.

In defense of the law, Putin reiterated a sentiment he's previously expressed, arguing that the law protects children from seeing or hearing things that Putin and the right-wing theocrats in the Duma find objectionable.