Russia’s Moral Barometer

According to Pew Research, almost three-quarters of the Russian population consider homosexuality morally unacceptable. The Winter Olympics in Sochi has generated significant debate in western countries about the status of gays and lesbians in Russia.

Even though Vladimir Putin has reassured the international community that an anti-homosexual “propaganda” law approved by the Russian parliament last June is not discriminatory, Russia’s attitude towards gays has been severely tarnished.

Extramarital affairs, abortion and alcohol consumption are all considered more acceptable than homosexuality. 69 percent of Russians believe extramarital affairs are unacceptable while 44 percent do not approve of abortion.