Vladimir Putin on Civil Rights

Don't care about skin color: no reverse discrimination

"We're surprised to see things happening in countries that see themselves as flagships of progress. The struggle for equality and against discrimination turns into aggressive dogmatism verging on absurdity. Opposing racism is a necessary and noble thing, but the new 'culture of abolition' turns into 'reverse discrimination.' Here in Russia the absolute majority of our citizens don't care what color a person's skin is."

"In the coming era of global readjustment, which may last quite long and whose final outlook is unknown, moderate conservatism is the most reasonable line of conduct."

Russians treated equally regardless of race, gender, belief

Touching on the restrictions in place in Russia, the president mentioned the ban on the promotion of homosexuality among minors. "Let a person first grow up, become an adult, and then let them decide on their own fate," Putin insisted, explaining the logic of the ban. "Nothing must be imposed, that's what we are against," he said.

Signed "gay propaganda" law denying minors information