Gay Rights Coke Protests Over Sochi Olympics

Gay rights campaigners poured Coke down the drains of Times Square to protest against the company’s sponsorship of the Winter Olympics in Russia.

The demonstrators say that the Coca-Cola Company "supports hate" by continuing to back the Games despite the introduction of Russia's anti-gay propaganda law.

The law has provoked harsh international criticism ahead of the 2014 Olympic Winter games in Sochi, including from the comedian Stephen Fry.

The protesters emptied bottles and cans of Coke before stomping on them to mark their views

Bill Dobbs from the gay rights organisation Queer Nation, said: "We're here today to send a loud message: drop those games and stop supporting hate."

Russia's law prohibiting promotion of "non-traditional" sexual relations has been denounced by activists and criticised by President Barack Obama.

Homosexuality was decriminalised in Russia in 1993 and Russian officials continue to emphasise that it doesn't penalise gay orientation or activity.

The International Olympics Committee has asked Russia to clarify how the law would operate around the Winter Games.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree banning demonstrations and rallies for two and a half months in Sochi around the 2014 Winter Olympics.