Obama has 'no patience' with foreign anti-gay laws | Inquirer News

Obama has ‘no patience’ with foreign anti-gay laws

/ 04:16 PM August 07, 2013

US President Barack Obama AP PHOTO/CHARLES DHARAPAK

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama on Tuesday said he had “no patience” with foreign laws discriminating against homosexuals after Russia passed a measure punishing gay “propaganda.”

“Whether you are discriminating on the basis of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation, you are violating the basic morality that I think should transcend every country,” Obama said when asked about the Russian law on a late-night comedy show.

Article continues after this advertisement

“I have no patience for countries that try to treat gays or lesbians or transgender persons in ways that intimidate them or are harmful to them,” he added, noting that Russia “is not unique” in passing such laws.

FEATURED STORIES

He referred to countries in Africa, without naming any specifically, that were also “in some ways persecuting the gays and lesbians.”

Uganda has famously proposed a measure that called for the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality,” though the bill has never become law.

Article continues after this advertisement

“It makes for uncomfortable press conferences sometimes,” Obama said.

Article continues after this advertisement

“But one of the things that I think is very important for me to speak out on is making sure that people are treated fairly and justly.”

Article continues after this advertisement

The Russian measure, signed into law by President Vladimir Putin, introduces fines of up to 5,000 rubles ($156) for citizens who disseminate information about homosexuality to minors, but critics fear it could legitimize far-reaching discrimination.

The bill has sparked controversy ahead of the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi and raised concerns that visiting gay athletes and spectators could face discrimination or even legal action.

Article continues after this advertisement

Obama downplayed such fears, saying it was in the best interests of Putin and Russia to “make sure the Olympics work.”

“I think they understand that for most of the countries to participate in the Olympics, we wouldn’t tolerate gays and lesbians being treated differently,” Obama said.

“They’re athletes. They’re there to compete. If Russia wants to uphold the Olympic spirit, then every judgment should be made on the track or in the swimming pool or on the balance beams.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

“People’s sexual orientation shouldn’t have anything to do with it.

TAGS: anti-gay, LGBT, world

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.