Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (born 7 October 1952) is a Russian politician and former intelligence officer who has served as President of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 1999 until 2008. He was also the Prime Minister of Russia from 1999 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2012.
Chicago Blackhawks Fans Blast Team For Caving to Russian Anti-LGBTQ Law
NHL team of being dictated to by Russia after it reversed its decision to wear Pride warmup jerseys at Sunday's game against the Vancouver Canucks.The hockey team decided to scrap wearing the jersey, which would have signified its support for the LGBTQ community, in order to protect its only Russian player, Nikita Zaitsev, after an expansion of his home country's "gay propaganda law.""As a lifelong Blackhawks fan I am deeply disappointed!
Although they are having other pride events, not wearing pride jerseys shows that they are weak and soft. They're letting Russia dictate what they do!
The Russian players can stay in the locker room! @NHLBlackhawks stop the hate," tweeted one fan.Russian President Vladimir Putin first introduced the law in 2013 and outlawed the positive promotion of LGBTQ content or "propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations" to minors.
But in December he updated the law to prevent the "propaganda" to all people and included banning talking to minors about transgender issues.Those found to be breaching the law could be charged and face a fine up to $700 if a judge rules they should pay it.The Blackhawks drew the ire of sports fans and pundits alike over the decision, including longtime fan Seth Stauffer, who used to write for the team's fan website, Blackhawk Up."My reaction was disappointment...
