Sochi 2014: Putin declares gay athletes welcome! AS Russian Duma passes law banning 'gay propaganda'

"We will do everything to make sure that athletes, fans and guests feel comfortable at the Olympic Games regardless of their ethnicity, race or sexual orientation. I would like to underline that," Mr Putin told Mr Bach.
[link to www.bbc.co.uk]
Russian President Vladimir Putin has insisted gay and lesbian athletes have nothing to fear at next year's Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

Mr Putin told Thomas Bach, the head of the International Olympic Committee, that gay athletes - and supporters - would feel at ease.

Russia has been criticised over a new law banning "homosexual propaganda" towards people under 18.

Duma passes law banning 'gay propaganda'
The law comes in the wake of the imprisoning of members of the punk band Pussy Riot for performing an anti-Putin protest in an Orthodox cathedral in February 2012.

Two band members, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Maria Alyokhina, are currently serving two-year jail terms.

The new law on "offending religious feelings of the faithful" will also take effect after approval by the upper house and the president.
[link to www.bbc.co.uk]