President Vladimir Putin says that Russia does not discriminate against gays and that millions of Russians love pop icon Elton John “despite his orientation,” as he sought to defuse calls from gay rights activists to boycott the Winter Olympics.
In an interview with foreign journalists one week before the opening of the Olympics in the Black Sea resort of Sochi, Putin reiterated that Russia would welcome all athletes and visitors, regardless of their sexuality.
By way of example, he praised John, who is openly gay, as “an outstanding person [and] outstanding musician.” “Millions of our people sincerely love him despite his orientation,” Putin said.
Photo: AFP
照片:法新社
Gay rights activists have criticized the Russian strongman for a recent law banning the dissemination of so-called “gay propaganda” to minors.
John himself spoke out against the law during a sold-out Moscow concert last month.
“I am deeply saddened and shocked over the current legislation that is now in place against the homosexual community here in Russia,” he said.
“In my opinion, it is inhumane and it is isolating. Harmony is what makes a happy family and a strong society.”
(AFP)
俄羅斯總統弗拉吉米爾‧普廷說,俄國並未歧視同性戀,數百萬俄國人都愛流行音樂偶像艾爾頓.強,「雖然他的(性)傾向」,試圖化解同志權益活動人士呼籲抵制冬季奧運會。
在黑海度假勝地索契舉行的冬季奧運會僅剩一週即將揭幕,普廷在一場外籍記者會上重申,俄國歡迎所有的運動員與訪客,無論他們的性傾向為何。
他舉出櫃的強叔為例,讚揚他是「卓越人士與傑出的音樂家」。「儘管他的性傾向,我們仍有數百萬人真誠地喜愛他,」普廷說。
同志權益活動人士因為最近一條法律禁止對未成年者散播所謂「同志宣傳」,抨擊這位俄國強人。
強叔本人在上月一場門票售罄的莫斯科演唱會上,直言反對該法。
「對於用以反對俄國此地同志社群的現行法令,我深感悲哀與震驚,」他說。
「我認為,這是不人道並加以孤立的作法。和諧才能成就幸福家庭與強健的社會。」
(法新社/翻譯:魏國金)
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