Athletes told to 'calm down' over Russia's new anti-gay laws

Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko. Credit: ITV News

Russia's Sports Minister has told athletes to "calm down" about his country's new anti-gay law which has provoked international anger.

ITV News' Paul Davies reports:

Russian politicians have passed laws making organised gay rallies illegal and restricting the spread of information on what the Putin government describes as "non-traditional sexual relations".

The Russian minister, Vitaly Mutko, said "laws designed to protect Russia's young didn't affect foreign athletes".

Speaking on the Tonight Show, President Obama said he had "no patience" for countries that try and treat gay in ways that intimate them or are harmful to them.

Conservative MP Mike Freer said if Russia was not prepared to treat all citizens equally then they should lose the right to host the games.

Stephen Fry said President Putin is "making scapegoats of gay people Credit: PA

Stephen Fry yesterday urged the Prime Minister and the International Olympic Committee to support a campaign to strip Russia of the 2014 Winter Olympics amid concerns over the policy.

The broadcaster accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of "making scapegoats of gay people".

Read: Stephen Fry urges PM to join Olympic protest

Inside the Adler Arena Skating Centre in Sochi, Russia a venue for the 2014 Winter Olympics. Credit: PA

The games are due to be held in Sochi, Russia in February next year.