President Barack Obama on Wednesday
criticized Russia's record on gay rights.
The president made his remarks during
an address on Wednesday at the Palais Des Beaux-Arts in Brussels.
“We believe in human dignity – that
every person is created equal, no matter who you are, or what you
look like, or who you love, or where you come from,” Obama said in
calling for a united stand against Russia over its annexation of the
Crimean Peninsula.
Obama took aim at a Russian law that
prohibits the promotion of “gay propaganda” to minors.
“Instead of targeting our gay and
lesbian brothers and sisters, we can use our laws to protect their
rights,” he said. “Instead of defining ourselves in opposition
to others, we can affirm the aspirations that we hold in common.
That's what will make America strong. That's what will make Europe
strong. That's what makes us who we are.”