Actor-comedian-author Stephen Fry on Saturday was among the
hundreds protesting Russia's anti-gay laws outside Downing Street in
London.
The laws, signed in recent weeks by Russian President Vladimir
Putin, prohibit gay and lesbian couples from adopting Russian-born
children and the public promotion of gay rights where minors might be
present, effectively banning Gay Pride marches and similar
demonstrations. Russian officials have said that its “gay
propaganda” law would be in effect at the Winter Olympics at Sochi
and that athletes or guests who violate the law will be detained.
“What they have done is unleashed thugs who have done
unspeakable things to teenagers, lured them, beaten them, humiliated
them, tortured them,” Fry told reporters. “This continues to be
the case.”
“Lesbians have been raped 'correctively' – as the horrible
phrase is. The police are doing nothing about it.”
“The fact that the law says it is illegal to discuss
homosexuality as a normal practice to anybody under the age of 18 is
a preposterous thing.”
Last week, Fry wrote an open letter to Prime Minister David
Cameron, in which he asked him to back moving the Winter Olympics,
scheduled for February, to another city.
(Related: Stephen
Fry calls for Russian Olympic ban over anti-gay laws.)
On Saturday, Cameron responded via Twitter: “I share your deep
concern about the abuse of gay people in Russia. However, I believe
we can better challenge prejudice as we attend, rather than
boycotting the Winter Olympics.”
On Friday, President
Barack Obama said a boycott would not be “appropriate.”