The Russian government has reportedly defended its controversial law against gay 'propaganda', which has promoted an international backlash, in a letter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
However, the government has assured the IOC that it will not discriminate against homosexuals during the 2014 Winter Olympics at Sochi.
According to the New York Daily News, the IOC received a letter from Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak, assuring that the host country will fulfill the Olympic Charter's provision against discrimination of any kind.
Kozak's letter came after IOC President Jacques Rogge asked Russia for further clarifications on the law and how it could impact on the Sochi Games.
However, the report said that Kozak was defensive of the new law, under which a person can be penalised if he/she distributes information aimed at persuading minors that 'nontraditional' relationships are normal, saying that the law cannot be regarded as 'discrimination based on sexual orientation'.
With Kozak saying that the law applies equally to 'everyone', the report however, said that the letter still leaves open the question of what would happen to Olympic athletes or fans if they make statements or gestures that could be considered as 'gay propaganda'.
According to the report, the issue was even more highlighted at the world athletics championships in Moscow last week when Russian pole vault star Yelena Isinbayeva complained about 'disrespect to Russia' after Swedish high jumper Emma Green Tregaro painted her fingernails in the colors of the rainbow to support gay rights.
