Homosexual rainbow flag draped from U.S. Embassy in Moscow. (U.S. State Department)
When told that the U.S. Embassy in Moscow was flying a gay rainbow flag to celebrate June “pride month,” Russian President Vladimir Putin mockingly asked, “Who works in this building?” and then added with a smile that this reveals a “certain something about the people who work there,” reported Reuters.
On June 25, U.S. Ambassador to Moscow John Sullivan posted a video on Twitter to celebrate gay pride month and LGBTI rights. He also explained that the gay rainbow flag was being displayed outside the embassy in honor of homosexuals.
Russian President Vladimir Putin. (Getty Images)
During a video conference, Vladimir Putin was asked about the flag.
“Who works in this building?” asked Putin, and Senator Alexei Pushkov said, “Americans.”
“Let them celebrate,” said Putin with a smile. “They’ve shown a certain something about the people who work there.”
On July 3, Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty reported that Putin signed numerous amendments to the Russian constitution, including one that defines marriage as being “the union of a man and a woman,” and describes “belief in God” as a national value.
June is #PrideMonth. #LGBTI rights are human rights. Human rights are universal. #PRIDE2020 #PrideFlagDay https://t.co/msmqA0u7e0
— Rebecca Ross (@USEmbRuPress) June 25, 2020
Putin has stated that Russia does not discriminate against LGBT persons and that a 2013 law banning LGBT propaganda was designed to protect children
“Yes, we passed a law banning the propaganda of homosexuality among minors. So what? Let people grow up, become adults and then decide their own destinies,” Putin said, as reported by Reuters.
