QUESTION: Can we provide a comment regarding a reported bill being advanced in two major Russians cities and supported by Putin’s party that would criminalize activity related to defending or promoting LGBT equality, equating speech about gay and transgender issues to committing acts of pedophilia?
ANSWER: We are deeply concerned by proposed local legislation in Russia that would severely restrict freedoms of expression and assembly for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals, and indeed all Russians. As Secretary Clinton has said, gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights.
We have called on Russian officials to safeguard these freedoms, and to foster an environment which promotes respect for the rights of all citizens.
The United States places great importance on combating discrimination against the LGBT community and all minority groups.
