Vitaly Milonov The co-sponsor of Russia’s gay-hating ‘anti-propaganda’ Bill has declared it will be enforced during the Sochi Winter Games, in the face of assurances otherwise. It means athletes and tourists are at risk of being arrested, fined and deported if they do anything regarded as promoting anything gay. Vitaly Milonov, co-sponsor of the ‘non-traditional relationships’ bill, said the government cannot decide when to selectively enforce the law. This is despite the International Olympic Committee saying the Russian government has assured it all athletes and spectators will be safe from arrest. Speaking to Interfax and translated by Gay Star News, Milonov said: “I have not heard any comments from the government of the Russian Federation but I know it is acting in accordance with Russian law. “If a law has been approved by the federal legislature and signed by the president, then the government has no right to suspend it. It doesn’t have the authority.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 31st July 2013 - 11:37am