Vladimir Putin on Gay Rights in Russia | September 29, 2015 | Charlie Rose

Sep 30, 2015 • "The problem of sexual minorities in Russia [...] has been a deliberate exaggeration aimed at making an enemy image of Russia for political considerations. I believe this is one of the lines of attack against Russia." -- Vladimir Putin on the media representation of gay persecution in Russia.

Anyone listening to this short video clip would be forgiven for concluding that Russia is a paradise for gays! Alas, we all know the sad reality of gay rights in Russia: they are virtually non-existent. Russia is a bastion of homophobia. Indeed, from what I have read and watched over the months and years, gays in Russia are persecuted. This sad reality doesn’t chime with Putin’s comforting words! – © Mark