The mayor of Vancouver is adding his voice to those expressing dismay over Russia's passing of anti-gay laws.
Gregor Robertson calls the move a "homophobic assault on the fundamental human rights of the LGBTQ community".
He says it will keep many in the community from safely and openly participating in the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi.
Robertson is calling on the International Olympic and Paralympic Committees to explore every option to make sure the games are hosted in a way that guarantees the "full, safe, and open participation of the LGBTQ community".
Russia has approved a law that bans the distribution of information about homosexuality.