Russian politician says being gay is a ‘bad habit’ that can be treated with prayer
Vitaly Milonov, city councillor and author of St Petersburg’s homophobic censorship law, has referred to homosexuality as a “bad habit” that can be treated by fasting and prayer.
RT reports during an interview on Russia’s Ekho Moskvy radio show, Mr Milonov, who is a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, said:
“God can send many temptations upon us. But the thing is, this illness is easily treated by fasting and praying.
“I do not know of a single case within the Russian Orthodox Church that a man would not be cured by his sincere repentance in this sin.
He added: “People get rid of it, just like they get rid of kleptomania or, for instance, fornicators.”
Those who break the law can be fined in excess of 50,000 roubles (£1,070).
Mr Milonov also said in March that he would support attempts to prosecute the singer if she went ahead with her demonstration.
