Vladimir Putin has mocked the United States Embassy in Moscow for flying the rainbow flag in celebration of LGBTQ+ “Pride Month.”
The Russian President said on Friday the embassy’s decision to raise the rainbow flag “reveals something about the people that work there.”
Putin made the remarks following a nationwide vote on constitutional reforms that included amendments to affirm God and enshrine the definition of marriage specifically as a union between man and woman.
“It’s no big deal though. We have spoken about this many times, and our position is clear,” Putin said.
“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 has reportedly closely aligned himself with the Orthodox Church during his two decades in the Kremlin. He has also sought to distance Russia from liberal Western values, including attitudes towards homosexuality and gender fluidity.
In 2013, Putin signed into law a bill prohibiting the public promotion of homosexuality in Russia. The federal law is titled, ‘Purpose of Protecting Children from Information Advocating for a Denial of Traditional Family Values.’ The law has also been dubbed the ‘Gay Propaganda Law.’
Earlier this year, Putin vowed to defend traditional family values for as long as he’s in the Kremlin.
