By Dan Kedmey
The mayor of Sochi rolled out the welcome mat to gay visitors during the winter Olympics, promising a pleasant stay for any homosexuals who “don’t impose their habits” on the community, which is apparently 100 percent straight.
Anatoly Pakhomov told the BBC that Russia’s gay speech restrictions would force none of Sochi’s gays into hiding, as the city had no gays in the first place. Asked how he could know, Pakhomov responded, “I am not sure, but I don’t bloody know them.” Thus concluded the not quite scientific, but official survey.
[BBC]
More Must-Reads from TIME
- How Kamala Harris Knocked Donald Trump Off Course
- Introducing TIME's 2024 Latino Leaders
- George Lopez Is Transforming Narratives With Comedy
- How to Make an Argument That’s Actually Persuasive
- What Makes a Friendship Last Forever?
- 33 True Crime Documentaries That Shaped the Genre
- Why Gut Health Issues Are More Common in Women
- The 100 Most Influential People in AI 2024
Contact us at letters@time.com