Stephen Fry calls for stripping Russia of 2014 Winter Olympics over anti-gay laws

British actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry has urged Prime Minister David Cameron to support moves to ban Russia from hosting the 2014 Winter Olympics because of its new anti-gay laws.

According to BBC, Russia passed a law imposing heavy fines for providing information about homosexuality to people under the age of 18 in June, which has been criticised by Western politicians and human rights groups

The law has also reportedly raised concerns that visiting gay athletes and spectators could face discrimination or even legal action.

Stating that Russia was 'making scapegoats of gay people' in an open letter to Cameron, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and London 2012's Lord Coe, Fry said that an absolute ban on the Russian Winter Olympics of 2014 is 'simply essential' as it is not enough to say that gay Olympians may or may not be safe in their village.

Comparing the situation to the decision to hold the 1936 games in Nazi Germany, Fry urged IOC president Jacques Rogge and his fellow committee members to 'take a firm stance on behalf of the shared humanity it is supposed to represent', adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot have the approval of the world at any cost.

According to Fry, a Russian Winter Olympics 'would stain the movement forever' and 'wipe away the glory' of the London 2012 Games.

Making a direct appeal to Cameron at the end of the letter, Fry said that he has the 'utmost respect' for the PM, whom he advised to act on his instinct, adding that even though he has 'opposed and instinctively disliked' Cameron's Conservative Party, he liked the fact that Cameron has shown a determined, passionate and clearly honest commitment to LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) rights.

Meanwhile, the IOC stated that it 'respected Fry's opinion' and has received assurances from the highest level of government in Russia that the legislation will not affect those attending or taking part in the Games.

A British government spokesperson also said that the government is working closely with the IOC and the BOA (British Olympic Association) to ensure that the Games take place in the spirit of the Olympic Charter and are free from discrimination.