Russian President Vladimir Putin gave a scathing rebuke of western liberal political ideology, specifically on the issue of gender identity, in a speech this week.
During a speech at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi on Thursday, Putin argued that Russia should maintain its “spiritual values and historical traditions,” saying that “sociocultural disturbances” could be bad for the country, The Washington Post reported.
Putin reportedly warned that western nations in Europe and the United States have allowed “the aggressive deletion of whole pages of their own history, reverse discrimination against the majority in the interests of minorities … constitute movement toward public renewal.”
“It’s their right, but we are asking them to steer clear of our home,” Putin said. “We have a different viewpoint.”
On gender issues, Putin said liberals in the West are looking to terminate designations like “mother, father, family or gender differences,” something he called “basic.”
Putin also reportedly said children being “taught that a boy can become a girl and vice versa” is “on the verge of a crime against humanity.”
The Post noted Putin in 2013 signed an “anti-gay propaganda” law which human rights advocates have said has led to increased hostility in Russia toward LGBT people and likened his Thursday remarks to others made by right-wing populist leaders in Europe who have attacked LGBT rights in an appeal to a conservative base.