Russian President Vladimir Putin has led an all-out assault on the human rights of gays and lesbians. As noted in the New York Times on July 22, Putin signed a law allowing police to arrest any tourists and foreign nationals they suspect of being gay or "pro-gay" and detain them for up to 14 days. Another bill Putin signed could lead to fines or arrest for anyone that urges tolerance for gays and lesbians or makes pro-gay statements. Putin also recently prohibited the adoption of Russian children to parents in any country that recognizes marriage equality and is reportedly now considering ordering the removal of children from their own families if their parents are or are suspected of being gay or lesbian. An America that supports human rights cannot sit silent as this assault continues.



