Russian President Vladimir Putin has
reiterated his claim that Russia is not homophobic.
According to the
AFP, the Russian leader said on Thursday during his
state-of-the-address that “healthy family” and traditional values
were among Russia's top priorities.
“Traditional family, a healthy nation
is our strategic choice,” Putin told rights activists at the
Kremlin the following day.
“This should not look as if we intend
to persecute people of some non-traditional orientation. One does
not preclude the other. I believe that such balanced approach is
absolutely the right one.”
Last year, Putin signed into law bills
which prohibit the promotion of “homosexual propaganda” to minors
and ban adoptions by gay parents.
Putin denied the nation was homophobic,
calling such criticism “a label forced on Russia by other countries
which have criminal responsibility for people of non-tradition sexual
orientation.”
“Society which cannot protect its
children does not have a future,” he added.