VOR also spoke with Bryan Fischer, head of the American Family Association, who has a different view on the situation.

“Russia is not being homophobic, it’s homorealistic - the Russian government is trying to take the issue into consideration and establish public policy to contribute to public health, as this lifestyle is not be promoted, endorsed or granted special legal protection”, the expert said, warning of high health risks linked to this lifestyle.

He cites the Center for Disease Control that has monitored the HIV epidemic since 1987 and determined that 61% of HIV-positive males had sexual contacts with other males.

“Homosexual behavior is just as risky as drug abuse,” Fischer said.

” I think the Russian government is right to be concerned with propaganda on teenagers who are at the age of struggling through sexual identity issue and we should help to channel these urges in productive behavior. Heterosexuality is God’s design. Policies that encourage young people to think this are good ideas.”

Though same-sex marriages are becoming common all across the world, it doesn’t mean that this idea is popular and everybody supports it, Fischer said.

“Homosexual behavior damages the body and soul. We love homosexuals enough to tell them the truth.”

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More: Russia Not Homophobic, It’s Homorealistic - The Voice of Russia