G20: Gay activists meet President Obama

Gay activists in Russia say they have been left disappointed after a meeting with US President Barack Obama over claims Russia’s attitudes to homosexuality are a breach of their human rights. The activists say the meeting left them feeling let down and that President Obama says he has to consider his overall relationship with Russia, not just human rights issues. Protesters gathered in central St. Petersburg ahead of the G20 summit’s close, chanting “fascism will not win”. While on Thursday a draft law was tabled to deny custody of children to gay parents, adding to the raft of measures activists say are undermining their rights. The issue of homosexuality is hotly contested in Russia. Despite being decriminalised in 1991, gay groups say they are used as scapegoats for social problems such as low birthrate and HIV and AIDS.