Russia's Putin warns against homophobia as Olympics approach
President Vladimir Putin, who has come under international criticism for a law banning "gay propaganda", said on Wednesday that Russians must not "create a torrent of hatred towards anyone" including homosexuals. The remarks may be aimed at easing concerns about the treatment of gays in Russia ahead of the Sochi Winter Olympics which some activists have said should be boycotted in protest against the law.
Putin has staked personal political prestige on staging a successful Games and made a point of telling a Olympic delegation last month that gays would be welcome at Sochi. (Reuters)
