Kiss ignites debate over Russia's anti-gay laws

Something is awry when a congratulatory kiss between two female Russian athletes becomes an international incident. For that, critics of the Russian government say, the authorities have themselves to blame.

Runners Ksenia Ryzhova and Tatyana Firova exhibited commonplace Russian behavior when they kissed on the podium after winning the 4x400- meter relay at the World Athletics Championship in Moscow on Saturday.

But given that Russia recently outlawed "the propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations," making it punishable by fines from $130 for private individuals to $33,000 for companies, the act became the subject of global scrutiny.

Some media interpreted the kiss as a protest against the persecution of gays and lesbians in Russia. "What will Putin say?" wondered the Israeli news site mako.co.il.

The link between the anti-gay legislation and Russia's suitability as a venue for international sporting events can be traced to the British actor and author Stephen Fry, who on Aug. 7 published an open letter to Prime Minister David Cameron and the International Olympic Committee, calling on them to boycott the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

In the letter, Fry likened President Vladimir Putin to Hitler. The Berlin Olympiad "provided a stage for a gleeful Fuehrer and only increased his status at home and abroad," Fry wrote.

Cameron rejected Fry's plea on Twitter: "I believe we can better challenge prejudice as we attend rather than boycotting the Winter Olympics."

The IOC sought clarification of the anti-gay law. IOC head Jacques Rogge said he had received written reassurancesthat the legislation would "not affect those attending or taking part in the Games."

On Aug. 12, the Russian Interior Ministry issued a rather ominous clarification: "During the Olympic Games and at any other time the police will act within the framework of the Russian law in general and the law on the protection of children against the propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations in particular." The ministry went on to say police would only apply the law to "persons who aim to persuade minors to enter into nontraditional sexual relations," and otherwise would have no problem with people of any sexual orientation attending the Olympics.

FIFA, the governing body of the Soccer World Cup, which Russia is scheduled to host in 2018, asked Russia to explain itself: "FIFA expects that all guests in a FIFA World Cup host country . . . experience a great FIFA World Cup irrespective of their sexual orientation."