Russia's deputy prime minister, Dmitry Kozak, says Russia will not infringe on the rights of gays before, during, or after the upcoming Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Kozak was responding to those who have called for a boycott of the Games over a new Russian law banning exposing minors to what it calls "non-traditional" sexual orientation.
Kozak said Wednesday no one should have any fears and that people can get on with their private lives.
Critics both in Russia and overseas call the law another example of how the country treats homosexuals.
U.S. President Barack Obama said on a television talk show Tuesday that he has "no patience" with foreign laws that discriminate against gays.
But President Vladimir Putin has said homosexuals in Russia have the same rights as everyone else.
Kozak was responding to those who have called for a boycott of the Games over a new Russian law banning exposing minors to what it calls "non-traditional" sexual orientation.
Kozak said Wednesday no one should have any fears and that people can get on with their private lives.
Critics both in Russia and overseas call the law another example of how the country treats homosexuals.
U.S. President Barack Obama said on a television talk show Tuesday that he has "no patience" with foreign laws that discriminate against gays.
But President Vladimir Putin has said homosexuals in Russia have the same rights as everyone else.