PM says campaign against new Russian anti-gay laws best served by participation at Sochi 2014 Games
The prime minister has ruled out a boycott of the Sochi Winter Olympics, claiming that anti-gay prejudice will be better tackled by participation rather than absence.
In response to an intervention from broadcaster Stephen Fry calling for the games to be moved from Russia, David Cameron said he had shared the "deep concern" about the abuse of gay people in Russia.
But writing on Twitter, the prime minister said he believed Britain could more effectively challenge prejudice by attending, rather than boycotting, the event.
Fry urged the prime minister to support protests about Russia hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics over concerns about anti-gay laws passed in the country.
The broadcaster, writing in an open letter on his website, compared the situation to the decision to hold the 1936 games in Nazi Germany and said President Vladimir Putin "is making scapegoats of gay people".
He said: "An absolute ban on the Russian Winter Olympics of 2014 on Sochi is simply essential. Stage them elsewhere in Utah, Lillehammer, anywhere you like. At all costs Putin cannot be seen to have the approval of the civilised world."
Cameron's comments follow similar remarks by President Obama. "I do not think it is appropriate to boycott the Olympics," Obama said on Friday, while adding that "nobody is more offended than me by some of the anti-gay and lesbian legislation".
Cameron wrote to Fry on Twitter: "Thank you for your note stephenfry. I share your deep concern about the abuse of gay people in Russia.However, I believe we can better challenge prejudice as we attend, rather than boycotting the Winter Olympics."
In his open letter, Fry said Cameron was "a man for whom I have the utmost respect".
He added: "As the leader of a party I have for almost all of my life opposed and instinctively disliked, you showed a determined, passionate and clearly honest commitment to LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) rights and helped pushed gay marriage through both houses of our parliament in the teeth of vehement opposition from so many of your own side. For that I will always admire you, whatever other differences may lie between us. In the end I believe you know when a thing is wrong or right. Please act on that instinct now."
The message comes after politicians in Russia's lower house of parliament, the Duma, passed a law imposing heavy fines for providing information about homosexuality to people under 18.
Last month, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it would "work to ensure that the Games can take place without discrimination against athletes, officials, spectators and the media".
It said: "To that end, the IOC has received assurances from the highest level of government in Russia that the legislation will not affect those attending or taking part in the Games."
