Like in some states in the U.S., teachers in Russia can be fired for being gay. Is this what Putin means when he promises "equality for all"?

From FrontiersLA:

Olga Bakhaeva is 24 years old and works as a teacher of history and social studies in School No. 56, in Magnitogorsk: 

It all started with the “VKontakte” community (Russian social network like Facebook. NT). In May the “Straights Alliance for LGBT Equality” posted an item about the persecution of an LGBT teacher, and I left a comment that I was LGBT as well and that I worked in a school. That was the beginning! After a couple of hours, I received a message on “VKontakte” from a user named Valkiria Repina (according to the “Alliance of Heterosexuals”, that is the pseudonym of a man involved in attacks on LGBT demonstrations in St. Petersburg. Ed.). Repina told me to resign at once, otherwise they would “ruin my life”. 


In the “Parents of Russia” community (an aggressively anti-homosexual movement. Ed.), which is administered by this Valkiria, a post about me appeared, with my private photos and some unpleasant details. Then came more messages: “Why no answer? Tell us your decision. If you resign we shan’t distribute that information.”
I didn’t answer. I mean, I realised that this story wouldn’t die of its own accord. However, the demands were fascist. I was happy in my job, and wasn’t going to change it.

Full article here.

Bless his heart: Dmitry Chernyshenko, the organizing chief of the Sochi Olympics, is upset that the protests by gays are ruining his games and wants the IOC to stop them

This news report confirms that the tactics of LGBT activists are working.  From Towleroad:  

Dmitry Chernyshenko, the organizing chief of the Sochi Games, begged the International Olympic Commitee to do something about all the building outrage over Russia's anti-gay laws, concerned about the fallout possible demonstrations would cause, the AP reports:

“It’s very important to have your support to stop this campaign and this speculation regarding this issue," Chernyshenko said at an assembly of members of the IOC.

Marketing commission chairman Gerhard Heibergadded: "Especially the American sponsors are afraid what could happen. This could ruin a lot for all of us." 

Reuters adds that Chernyshenko claimed that the law banning "gay propaganda" does not affect gays. And because Putin recently gave an award to a gay person, Russia respects homosexuals. 

"The constitution of the Russian Federation guarantees equality of rights for everybody in the country. It explicitly prohibits any form of discrimination," he told the IOC session... 

"We make this clear. This law recently passed does not prohibit homosexuality directly or indirectly. It does not contradict elements of the Olympic Charter. It will not stop 2014 proudly upholding the Olympic values," Chernyshenko said. 

"The law will have no impact for any guest visitor. Whether athletes or just fans or members of Olympic family, everybody is welcome to enjoy the fantastic Games."

Chernyshenko said Putin had awarded "the highest Russian order" to a homosexual recently. "This is a greatest example of diversity of our country. It's important to have your (IOC) support in this campaign."