MOSCOW, November 6 (RIA Novosti) – Dutch media has reported that the foreign minister of the Netherlands says his country will offer asylum to Russians claiming discrimination under a recently introduced anti-gay propaganda law.
The Dutch News website reported Tuesday that Frans Timmermans said in a written briefing to parliament that the law passed in Russia contributed to a homophobic climate and had an intimidating impact on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transexual people.
“Inhuman treatment must be taken as a serious violation of human rights and must be considered in asylum cases. This can include anti-gay laws but also discrimination by Russian authorities and nationals,” Timmermans was quoted as having written.
The legislation signed into law by President Vladimir Putin earlier this year bans the promotion of non-traditional sexual orientations among minors.
The Kremlin maintains it does not prevent adults from making their own sexual choices or discriminate against homosexuals in any way and is aimed solely at protecting children. Critics charge the law promotes a wider crackdown on homosexuality in Russian society.