Sochi Winter Games 2014: Mayor says no gay people in 'our town'

Anatoly Pakhomov, the mayor of Sochi, has said there are no gay people in the city.

15:27 28 January 2014

In June 2013, Russia managed to get attention from across the globe when it passed a law against the promotion of “non-traditional” sexuality to under 18s, which was widely interpreted as an open attack on gay rights.

And now Anatoly Pakhomov, the mayor of Sochi where winter games will be held, has made claims that there are no gay people in the city. However, he added that homosexuals are welcome at the Games so long as they respect Russian Law and “don’t impose their habits on others.”

"Our hospitality will be extended to everyone who respects the laws of the Russian Federation and doesn't impose their habits on others.”

When asked if gay people are required to hide their sexuality while in Sochi, the mayor replied: "No, we just say that it is your business, it's your life. But it's not accepted here in the Caucasus where we live. We do not have them in our city."

On the other hand, Boris Nemtsov, a leader of the opposition, said the mayor's claim was laughable.

"As far as I know there are several gay clubs in Sochi.

"How do they survive? Why they are not bankrupt?"